A recent “Public Opinion” survey conducted by NDTV in partnership with Lokniti-Centre for the Study of Developing Societies (CSDS) has revealed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi remains India’s most popular leader and the favored choice for the country’s top job. The survey aimed to gauge public sentiment as PM Modi completes nine years in power and prepares for upcoming elections, including the highly anticipated Lok Sabha polls next year. The survey was conducted across 19 states between May 10 and 19, shortly after the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) lost the Karnataka election to the Congress.
Despite the setback in Karnataka, the survey brings good news for the BJP as PM Modi’s popularity continues to remain strong and the party’s vote share remains steady. Approximately 43% of the respondents expressed their support for the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) to secure a third consecutive term, while 38% disagreed. Nearly 40% of the respondents stated that they would vote for the BJP if elections were held at present, while the Congress received 29% of the votes.
The BJP’s vote share has increased from 37% in 2019 to 39% in 2023, and the Congress has also witnessed a rise from 19% to 29% during the same period.
When asked about their preferred choice for Prime Minister, 43% of the respondents named Narendra Modi, making him the clear frontrunner. Rahul Gandhi emerged as the nearest competitor with 27% of those surveyed favoring him for the role. Other leaders significantly trailed behind, with Mamata Banerjee and Arvind Kejriwal tied at a distant third place (both at 4%), followed by Akhilesh Yadav (3%), Nitish Kumar (1%), and 18% opting for other candidates.
Comparing the data from 2019 and 2023, there is a marginal decline in PM Modi’s popularity (from 44% to 43%) and a slight increase for Rahul Gandhi (from 24% to 27%). However, PM Modi still retains a significant lead with 40% of the respondents expressing their admiration for him.
PM Modi is most appreciated for his oratory skills (25%), followed by being seen as a development-focused Prime Minister (20%). Additionally, 13% of the respondents appreciate his hard work, while an equal number are impressed by his charisma. Approximately 11% of the respondents applauded his policies.
Regarding the potential challengers to PM Modi in 2024, 34% named Rahul Gandhi, while 11% mentioned Arvind Kejriwal. Akhilesh Yadav (5%) and Mamata Banerjee (4%) were identified by a few respondents as possible contenders. Nine percent of those surveyed believed that no one could challenge Modi.
Regarding Rahul Gandhi, 26% of the respondents stated that they had always liked him, while 15% developed a liking for him after the Bharat Jodo Yatra. Sixteen percent expressed their dislike for the Congress leader, while 27% remained indifferent.
Over 55% of the respondents expressed satisfaction with the government’s work across various fronts. Approximately 38% stated being somewhat satisfied, while 17% mentioned being fully satisfied. On the other hand, 21% expressed full dissatisfaction.
Opinions were divided on the role of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED), with 37% of the respondents considering these agencies to be lawful and 32% believing that they are used as tools for political vendettas, as alleged by the opposition.
The survey was conducted by Lokniti-CSDS with a total of 7,202 respondents spread across 71 constituencies.
