Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s approval rating has experienced a decline, with 27% of respondents rating his performance as Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha as ‘poor’, according to the latest India Today-CVoter Mood of the Nation survey. This reflects a 3-percentage-point increase from the August 2024 survey, where 24% of voters held a similar view.
The MOTN survey, conducted biannually, offers insights into public opinion on political figures and parties across India. The current survey indicates a shift in public perception, not only concerning Gandhi but also regarding the broader political landscape.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his party’s alliance continue to maintain a significant lead. If general elections were to be held now, the Modi-led alliance would secure 47% of the vote share, while the opposition alliance, spearheaded by Rahul Gandhi, would garner 41%. This data underscores the prevailing support for Modi’s leadership and policies.
In addition to domestic political sentiments, the survey explored international relations, revealing that over 40% of Indians believe a second term for U.S. President Donald Trump would be favourable for India. This perspective is particularly pronounced among supporters of Modi and his party, suggesting an alignment in right-leaning political ideologies. Conversely, only 16% of those surveyed felt that Trump’s re-election would be detrimental to India.
The survey’s findings come at a time when Modi is scheduled to meet with President Trump at the White House. This meeting is anticipated to address key issues, including trade tariffs, as the Trump administration has previously expressed concerns over India’s high tariffs on U.S. imports.
The MOTN survey serves as a barometer for gauging public opinion on a wide array of political issues in India. The recent data highlights a classical division along ideological lines, with supporters of Modi and Trump tending to align in their political views. This alignment reflects broader global trends of right-leaning political alliances.
The decline in Rahul Gandhi’s approval rating may prompt introspection within the Congress party regarding its strategies and leadership approach. As the political climate continues to evolve, both the ruling and opposition parties are likely to recalibrate their tactics to resonate with the electorate’s shifting sentiments.
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