India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi remains the most popular candidate for the position of prime minister, although his popularity has somewhat declined. This is evidenced by the results of a survey by India Today magazine, which may indicate a certain decrease in support for Modi following recent student protests.
The survey, conducted by the agency CVoter for the magazine, lasted from July 1 to August 25. This period included weeks of student protests in Delhi over alleged irregularities during exams, which ultimately led to the resignation of the then Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The study involved 25,184 individuals, and a total of 91,795 interviews were conducted.
Despite the dissatisfaction of part of the population, Modi significantly outpaces his opponents. About 49% of respondents named him the best candidate for the highest state position, which is lower than the 55% recorded in January. His closest rival, Congress party leader Rahul Gandhi, was chosen by 27% of respondents.
Challenges and state elections
The biggest challenge for Modi is the decline in support among young voters, caused by outrage over exam scandals, lack of jobs, and disappointment with the education system. Regaining their support will be crucial for the results of his party, Bharatiya Janata (BJP), which is preparing for important state elections next year, particularly in Uttar Pradesh.
Uttar Pradesh is the most populous state in India and a long-standing stronghold of the BJP. If national elections were held today, according to the survey, the BJP coalition would receive 39 out of 80 parliamentary seats in Uttar Pradesh, while the opposition bloc INDIA would receive 41 seats.
National forecasts and concerns
If national elections were held today, according to the survey, the coalition led by the BJP would retain power, winning 326 seats in parliament. This is 26 seats fewer than in the January survey.
The survey results also indicate concerns about the alleged theft of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya: 47% of respondents said this negatively affected the Modi government both at the national level and in the state itself.
Additionally, the survey revealed concerns about the management of the country and the economy: 43% of respondents said that the level of corruption has increased. When asked what the government should consider a priority, 23% named education and healthcare, and 21% named infrastructure and capital expenditures.
Source: Bloomberg
