Last week NCP chief Sharad Pawar ostensibly asked his party cadre to be prepared for midterm polls, setting the cat among the pigeons in the state political circle. Pawar’s words are always held in high regard by politicos because of his sheer acumen and competence to change equations. The maverick leader later said he was misquoted by the media and any political party should always remain geared up to face polls.

Focusing on the national political scenario, UP satraps SP chief Mulayam Singh Yadav and BSP supremo Mayawati, too have dropped hints pertaining to possible midterm polls asking respective party workers to pull up their socks. Pawar shares a good rapport with both the leaders. There is speculation that a third front — as an alternative to Congress and BJP — could emerge at the national level with the support of Mulayam and Pawar.