Prime Minister Narendra Modi remains the dominant preferred choice for the country’s top post, securing solid public backing, while Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has recorded notable gains in voter preference, according to the latest India Today–CVoter Mood of the Nation survey. The January 2026 edition of the biannual nationwide opinion poll shows Modi commanding 55 per cent support when respondents were asked who they believe is best suited to lead the government, up from 52 per cent in the previous survey and 49 per cent in August 2024. Gandhi’s support has climbed to 27 per cent, marking a steady rise from 25 per cent in the last poll and just 7 per cent in January 2022, indicating a gradual shift in public perception of his leadership credentials. The survey, conducted by the India Today Group in collaboration with CVoter, reflects evolving political sentiments as the nation looks ahead to the general election cycle. Analysts say the data reveals a clear continuity of preference for Modi’s leadership, while also signalling that the opposition, despite its organisational challenges, has succeeded in improving Gandhi’s profile among the electorate. Political strategists from several parties note that Gandhi’s rise, although modest relative to Modi’s commanding lead, underscores a broader recalibration of voter attitudes towards the major national parties.
Public evaluation of Modi’s performance shows a consistent pattern of approval, with roughly half of those surveyed characterising his tenure in positive terms. Observers attribute this resilience in support to a combination of long-term policy initiatives and strategic communication by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party. Internal party sources say the BJP’s leadership has actively highlighted infrastructure achievements, welfare schemes, and foreign policy successes to reinforce Modi’s appeal across diverse demographic groups. Opposition figures counter that economic pressures, including cost-of-living concerns and unemployment, temper the enthusiasm for the government’s stewardship, especially among younger voters and urban constituencies.
Gandhi’s ascent in the preference ratings has attracted particular attention within political circles. His supporters credit a more assertive campaign focus and sustained engagement with grassroots organisations for the climb, which reflects a widening base of acceptance beyond traditional Congress strongholds. Critics of Gandhi, however, argue that the Congress’s internal divisions and alliance complexities in key states have constrained his appeal, making it difficult for the party to translate individual popularity into broader electoral strength. Despite these headwinds, some regional analysts suggest that Gandhi’s narrative on issues such as rural distress and governance could resonate with segments of the electorate dissatisfied with the status quo.
The survey’s findings also extend to projected parliamentary performance, where the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance maintains a strategic advantage. According to interpretations of the data, the alliance is expected to improve its seat tally compared with performance in the 2024 general elections, with projections pointing towards a comfortable majority. In contrast, the Congress is estimated to secure fewer seats than it did previously, reflecting persistent organisational and alliance-building challenges at the state level. Analysts say these dynamics underscore the asymmetric nature of the contest: while national leadership ratings provide insight into broad sentiment, state-level electoral realities often hinge on regional issues and coalition negotiations.
Political commentators emphasise that the survey’s methodological breadth—spanning thousands of respondents across urban and rural constituencies—offers a snapshot of a complex and fluid political landscape. They note that the incremental shift in Gandhi’s support suggests a potential long-term trend, albeit one that remains distant from unseating Modi’s dominant position. Within the BJP, policymakers argue that the party’s strategic focus on governance achievements and continuity of leadership has anchored its appeal among core supporters. Conversely, opposition leaders assert that sustained engagement with voters on socioeconomic issues could further bolster their relevance in the national dialogue.