Exclusive Poll: Modi Gains Currency

A referendum on his move to demonetise currency, the INDIA TODAY-Karvy Insights survey gives Narendra Modi a ringing endorsement. But it also warns the PM about the lack of jobs and inflation.

- Raj Chengappa

LET’S BEGIN WITH what Narendra Modi is not. Whatever his opponents may say, the prime minister is not impetuous or hasty in any of his actions. Nor is he a gambler ever willing to risk all on a hunch and a prayer.

Then let’s look at what Modi is. Those who know him well and work with him closely say the man is a doer. He is a tough task master. He is open to ideas. His critics call him authoritarian, but ministers and bureaucrats who have dealt with him on issues beg to disagree with them. They say the prime minister is curious, asks pertinent questions and is ever willing to consider their suggestions. He has a strong sense of wanting to do the right thing and working out the rationale for a decision.

However, once Modi is convinced, he is decisive and exhibits courage, toughness and resilience to implement his ideas. His sense of timing has so far been impeccable. For Modi, there are no half measures. Or full stops. Another piece of advice: Never take him lightly—he means what he says.

The latest India Today-Karvy Insights Mood of the Nation (MOTN) poll vindicates this assessment of the prime minister. If in the August 2016 MOTN, Modi’s fortunes showed a mild upswing after the NDA’s seat forecasts had fallen precipitously in two consecutive MOTN polls, the January 2017 survey results bring glad tidings for the prime minister. It is the first major opinion poll since demonetisation, and voters have given Modi an unambiguous thumbs up. Were an election held today, the NDA would get 360 seats—a substantial gain of 56 seats over the survey done in August. What is more, the BJP tally alone would bring in 305 seats, giving it a comfortable majority in the Lok Sabha and making it less dependent on its allies (see accompanying charts).