Modi Again: Support For BJP Even Higher Than That In 2014, Finds CSDS-Lokniti Survey

The CSDS-Lokniti-The Hindu-Tiranga TV-Dainik Bhaskar Pre-Poll Survey, 2019 has found out that 43 per cent respondents support Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi, a good seven percentage points higher than what was recorded in 2014 Lokniti survey for last Lok Sabha elections, reports The Hindu.

The number is 9 percentage points higher than the 34 per cent registered in May 2018 in Lokniti’s poll, showing that the prime minister has gained popularity over last year.

The survey cites three decisions of the current PM Modi-led NDA government as the prime factors behind the surge in popularity- Balakot air strikes, 10 per cent quota for economically weaker sections, and PM KISAN scheme.

Those aware of the post Pulwama airstrikes showed higher support for Prime Minister Modi at 46 per cent as compared to 32 per cent among those who weren’t aware of the air strikes. Similar numbers were found for 10 per cent quota and PM KISAN scheme.

The impact of major campaigns by opposition against Prime Minister was found to be relatively blunt. Fifty per cent respondents said they were unaware of the Rafale row. Even among those who were aware and believed there was wrongdoing on government’s part, 31 per cent favoured giving the NDA government another chance.

The impact of Congress’s assurance of a minimum income guarantee to the poor was found to be weak. Only 48 per cent respondents had heard about the Congress’s NYAY promise and the awareness was lower still among the respondents who may stand to benefit from it. However, the promise was made right in the middle of the survey.

Unemployment and development continued to be biggest issues among surveyed voters. Among those asked about preference for the next prime minister, the popularity of PM Modi was almost double that of Congress president Rahul Gandhi.

Among regional trends, South turned out to be an outlier for current dispensation. While around 50 per cent respondents in North, East and West-Central categories favoured giving a second term to PM Modi, only around 30 per cent did so in South category.