Prime Minister Narendra Modi's strong leadership and the BJP's Hindu nationalist agenda are likely to resonate strongly with Indian voters, despite concerns over unemployment and inflation, according to a recent survey conducted by Lokniti-CSDS across 19 Indian states.
The survey, capturing the sentiments of 10,000 voters, revealed that unemployment remains the top concern for 27% of respondents, followed closely by rising prices at 23%. These economic worries reflect the challenges faced by many amid India's impressive economic growth, which has not translated equally across society.
Despite these concerns, Prime Minister Modi is anticipated to secure a comfortable victory in the upcoming general elections beginning on April 19, with the counting of votes scheduled for June 4. His leadership is credited with elevating India's global stature, evidenced by its status as the world's fastest-growing major economy and its recent presidency of the G20 bloc.
One of Modi's significant achievements highlighted in the survey is the construction of the grand Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Ram. While this project resonated positively with 22% of respondents, it was not a primary concern for most voters.
The BJP's emphasis on a Hindu nationalist agenda, symbolized by the Ram temple, has drawn attention during the campaign. However, the survey underscores that a significant majority (79%) of respondents believe India should embrace citizens of all religions equally, underscoring a broader vision of national identity.
Modi's government has also been praised for efforts to enhance India's international image, including hosting the G20 leaders in New Delhi and assuming the presidency of the G20. This diplomatic engagement has captured the interest of 8% of survey respondents.
As India gears up for this critical electoral season, the survey illuminates the complex mix of concerns and priorities shaping voter sentiment. While economic challenges persist, Modi's leadership and the BJP's ideological stance appear poised to resonate with a majority of voters, highlighting the nuanced landscape of Indian politics ahead of the upcoming polls.