PERFECT 10 FOR YOGI

At the helm for eight years in UP, Yogi Adityanath cements his nationwide appeal with the most popular CM title for the 10th consecutive time

- KAUSHIK DEKA

Amid the ever-changing fortunes of regional satraps, Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath has emerged as an exception, securing the title of the most popular chief minister for the 10th consecutive time in the India Today Mood of the Nation (MOTN) poll. Adityanath's unique blend of hardline Hindutva, strict law enforcement and infrastructure development has cemented his nationwide appeal. This, even after fingers were pointed at him for the Bharatiya Janata Party's dismal Lok Sabha poll performance in the state. While 35.3 per cent of the respondents back him as the best CM, up from 33.2 per cent just six months ago, Adityanath needs to focus on building more support in his home state.