The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is in a strong position according to a pre-poll survey conducted by Lokniti-Centre for the Study of Developing Societies (CSDS), holding a commanding 12% lead over the Opposition’s INDIA alliance. The survey reveals that four out of ten voters are supporting the BJP, indicating significant voter preference.
“Over half of the respondents expressed satisfaction with the BJP’s 10-year-old government performance, suggesting positive inclinations towards giving the Modi government another chance,” reported The Hindu.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Modi guarantee’ seems to be gaining traction among voters, giving him an advantage over Rahul Gandhi’s assurances. Despite maintaining a lead, there’s a noticeable decline in satisfaction with the government’s performance compared to 2019, especially in urban areas.
“PM Modi’s persona remains a decisive factor, with close to half of the respondents preferring him as the prime minister over Rahul Gandhi,” the survey highlights.
The construction of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya emerges as Modi’s most admired work, resonating strongly among voters, particularly those supporting the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). However, rising prices and increasing unemployment are significant concerns among voters, raising questions about the sustained popularity of Modi and the BJP.
“The BJP’s stronghold in the north and west contrasts with limited success in the south, though improvements in states like Karnataka suggest potential gains,” the survey reveals.
In terms of electoral contests, direct contests between the BJP and Congress favour the former, but multi-cornered contests show a three-way split in support.
Regarding key issues in the upcoming elections, concerns over price rise and job scarcity dominate voter sentiments. “A significant majority, comprising 62% of respondents, perceive job acquisition as increasingly challenging,” the survey points out.
“The impact of inflation on households is evident, with 71% of respondents reporting an increase in commodity prices, particularly affecting the poor and Muslim communities,” the survey emphasizes.
The Lokniti-CSDS Pre-Poll survey 2024 collated responses from 10,019 people across 19 states, providing valuable insights into voter sentiments ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.
