PM Modi's Popularity Ratings Surge Ahead Of Trump, Putin

An article in the New York Times stated that as per recent opinion polls, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's high approval ratings have climbed even higher touching 80% and even 90%. The NYT report further said that compared to Putin and Trump two other populist leaders, PM Modi seems to be handling the coronavirus pandemic well.

The NYT article also referred to the fact that before the coronavirus crisis, PM Modi faced the biggest challenge of his six-year tenure in the form of anti-government Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) protests and riots in the national capital during the US President's visit.

India has rallied around Prime Minister Modi during the Coronavirus pandemic, it pointed out. The NYT piece also refers to the desperate exodus of migrant workers from India's cities to their hometowns in various states.

While his popularity ratings continue to climb, the road ahead for Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a difficult one. If India rides out the coronavirus pandemic with a modicum of success, Modi will then get substantial credit for it. Moreover, this will strengthen his party and boost his image further.

PM Modi's decision-making is one of his strengths and his calls for nationwide lockdowns the first of which began nearly 2 months ago, have all been complied with by and large. India is already into lockdown 4.0 which is going to last till May 31.

The most challenging part for PM Modi and his team, is bringing the economy back on rails. At the same time, the difficult task of keeping coronavirus in check in cities and towns will pose a major challenge to state governments, as well as the Centre.

However, as the New York Times article points out most opinion polls suggest that PM Modi has been successful in driving home his message to the lowest segments of society and that most of the country feels this way. Most Indians have faith in his handling of the coronavirus pandemic, it states quoting a survey.