India political landscape: Modi leads PM preference as Gandhi faces religious backlash

The latest ‘Mood of the Nation’ (MOTN) survey by C-Voter reveals shifting dynamics in India’s leadership preferences. Prime Minister Narendra Modi remains the most preferred candidate for the premiership with 48.7% support, followed by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi at 27.1%. Notably, Abhijit Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janata Party and former member of Arvind Kejriwal’s communication team, secured 1.3% of the vote, slightly ahead of Kejriwal, who received 1.2%.

Separately, Rahul Gandhi faces backlash from religious leaders following his recent criticisms of the Manusmriti in Pune. Jyotirmath Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati has condemned Gandhi’s remarks, stating that religious texts should not be interpreted for political gain. The Shankaracharya warned of a potential campaign to boycott the Congress party among Hindus if an apology is not issued for what he described as repeated insults to Sanatan scriptures.