Rahul Gandhi's popularity, acceptibility as PM almost doubled since 2014: Study
New Delhi: A recent study published by The Print delves into the dynamics of Indian politics as the 2024 Lok Sabha elections draw nearer. While definitive conclusions are premature, the study offers insights into both the continuity and potential shifts in the political landscape.
The survey underscores the dominant role of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose popularity has played a pivotal role in securing consecutive victories for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in 2014 and 2019. The "Modi factor" remains a constant, with four out of every ten respondents expressing their admiration for the Prime Minister. Furthermore, a slightly higher proportion indicated a desire to see him re-elected as PM, although this enthusiasm has seen a marginal decline since 2019.
Modi's speeches continue to mesmerize voters and draw them towards him, albeit with other contributing factors. Consequently, the survey suggests the possibility of a plurality of voters supporting the BJP in the 2024 elections, with the party projected to maintain its 2019 vote share and even potentially gain additional support.
Beneath this continuity, however, lies an intriguing change in public sentiment. While overall satisfaction with the Modi government remains higher than dissatisfaction, a closer examination of the data reveals a steep decline in the proportion of those "fully satisfied" and a rise in the number of dissatisfied respondents, reaching 40 percent from 30 percent in 2019. Concerns about the government's handling of economic, social, and policy-related issues have contributed to this disappointment, although respondents still express contentment with developmental and infrastructure initiatives.
Parallel to this sense of disillusionment is the emergence of alternative leadership and political choices. The survey highlights an increase in Rahul Gandhi's acceptability as a potential prime minister, nearly doubling since 2014. Approximately 25 percent of respondents consistently favored Gandhi, with another 15 percent drawn in more recently, particularly due to the Bharat Jodo Yatra. Notably, more than half of this new support comes from non-Congress voters, making their future party preference significant.
Crucially, Modi remains a polarizing figure, with roughly a quarter of respondents neither liking nor disliking either Modi or Rahul Gandhi. Meanwhile, approximately 23 percent express their dislike for Modi, while 16 percent hold a similar sentiment towards Rahul Gandhi. One in three respondents views Rahul Gandhi as a potential challenger to Modi.
Despite these evolving sentiments, the BJP's vote share has not yet eroded. However, the survey indicates a notable increase in the proportion of respondents willing to vote for the Congress "if elections were held tomorrow," suggesting a rise from its stagnant vote share of under 20 percent in the previous two elections. Interestingly, this increase seems to come at the expense of "other" parties rather than the BJP, potentially impacting the formation of a non-BJP alliance and the Congress' ability to challenge the BJP in bipolar contests.
While these insights capture the current voter sentiment, they represent a snapshot almost a year ahead of the elections. The ever-present "X" factor in politics and the unfolding events over the coming months will undoubtedly shape the future landscape. The survey highlights Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's rising prominence as a challenger to Modi, alongside Rahul Gandhi. Additionally, if Modi chooses not to contest, approximately 20 percent of respondents view Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath as a potential alternative.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
KPTCL sets target to complete Kadandale 400 kV power substation project by July 15
Mangaluru (Karnataka) (PTI): The KPTCL has set a target to complete the strategically important Kadandale 400 kV power substation project by July 15, aiming to ensure uninterrupted and quality power supply to the coastal districts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi, officials said on Wednesday.
The target has been fixed by the KPTCL (Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited) following the directions of State Energy Minister K J George, they said.
The project, located at Kadandale village in Moodbidri taluk of Dakshina Kannada district, had remained stalled for nearly three years due to land-related litigation affecting the 400 kV transmission line works, officials said.
However, the hurdles were successfully resolved through the sustained efforts of Energy Minister George and Energy Department Additional Chief Secretary Gaurav Gupta, they said.
Following the minister's directions, KPTCL Managing Director Ram Prasath Manohar visited the project site on Wednesday to review the progress of the works, according to an official statement.
"Mangaluru is one of Karnataka's key industrial hubs and requires a reliable and uninterrupted power supply. As directed by the Hon'ble Minister, we are working towards completing the project before the onset of the monsoon and commencing transmission operations at the earliest," Manohar said.
According to officials, the Kadandale 400 kV substation is expected to significantly strengthen the power infrastructure of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts, which are major industrial and commercial regions of the state.
Manohar said the project would provide a long-term solution to recurring monsoon-related voltage fluctuations and low-voltage issues in the coastal belt.
"The new substation will improve grid stability and ensure quality power supply to the region. In the event of a technical fault in any one station, load can be quickly diverted through this substation, enabling faster restoration of electricity supply," he explained.
To expedite completion of the project, KPTCL has planned to obtain line clearance on the existing 400 kV UPCL-Hebbanahalli transmission corridor between May 6 and May 24, 2026, the statement said.
During this period, alternative arrangements have been made to manage transmission loads and maintain supply based on demand conditions, it said.
However, officials stated that short-duration load shedding may become unavoidable under technically exigent situations.
"This project is crucial for the long-term energy security of Mangaluru and the coastal region. We request consumers and the public to extend their cooperation during this temporary operational phase," the KPTCL MD stated.
Minister George said that ensuring uninterrupted power supply for the benefit of the public and the industrial growth of the coastal region is one of the government's top priorities.
"Due to certain legal hurdles, the 400 kV transmission line work was delayed. The department has taken special initiative to resolve these obstacles. The Kadandale substation will ensure high-quality power supply for Mangaluru and Udupi regions," he said.
"The department continuously monitored the land-related disputes affecting the project and ensured timely resolution through coordinated intervention. KPTCL has been instructed to complete the works within the stipulated timeline and dedicate the project to public service at the earliest," Gupta stated.
