Modi’s Approval Rating: A Rough Patch Amid a COVID Surge
Top‑gun Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who once rode a wave of unshakable popularity, is now reporting a dip in public support. A recent poll from Morning Consult shows his net approval down to a low 63 %—the steepest decline since August 2019.
What’s Causing the Tumble?
- COVID‑19 is back in force, with the country’s cases exceeding 25 million this week.
- Delhi’s hospitals ran out of beds and oxygen, leading to heartbreaking scenes in parking lots and morgues.
- Social media is buzzing with frustration over perceived government inadequacy.
As Delhi eased, the virus still rages in India’s quieter hinterlands where health infrastructure is patchy. “People feel they have to rely on themselves, their families, and friends to survive the virus,” comments opposition stalwart P. Chidambaram.
Policymakers’ Reaction
Modi’s government insists it’s doing its best to fight the “coronavirus storm.” Still, a survey by YouGov showed only 59 % of urban Indians felt the administration was “very” or “somewhat” effective at the end of April—a drop from 89 % during the first wave.
Future Outlook
With a national election looming in 2024, the opposition remains hesitant to challenge Modi’s authority. Analysts say the next years could bring a tightening of political air if the pandemic and public fatigue keep growing.
Will Modi regain the trust of the masses, or will India’s COVID crisis continue to shadow his leadership? Only time—and the next wave—will tell.