PEW survey findings show Congress needs to reboot their strategy against Modi government

16 months after Narendra Modi got a landslide mandate, Indian people's hope in the government remains unshaken. If anything, the survey conducted by US think-tank  Pew Research indicates that the expectation and goodwill has only increased with time. An astounding 87% Indians have a favourable opinion about Narendra Modi and the satisfaction levels for the government is nearly double from the last days of UPA rule. 

The curious thing in the entire set of findings released by Pew is that not only among BJP supporters, Modi scores very highly among Congress and AAP voters too. And in every issue from cleanliness, corruption to maintaining communal harmony more people approve of steps taken by Modi than they oppose them. However while the numbers in  the Pew research are hunky-dory, Modi government didn't  exactly have a smooth ride in the last one-and-a-half year.

Think of the issues that have plagued  them: From ignominy of Delhi defeat to the setback in land acquisition bill; from the entire Ghar Wapsi campaign to the  inability of the government to pass  legislation and constant accusation of imposition of saffron hues in education,  Modi government has faced a hostile honeymoon period. Favourable global economic situation gave Modi government some breathing space but unsavoury  charge of corruption and conflict of interest has paled the sheen of the government. 

Read More: Pew Global Research: What do the people of the nation really think of Modi's India?

In the Monsoon Session, the Congress went all guns blazing against the government. Their strategy included asking for the resignations of Sushma Swaraj and two other BJP CMs Vasundhara Raje Scindia and Shivraj Singh Chauhan. From the outset it was clear that BJP was not going to bow down to this pressure tactics, but it was declaration of war by  Congress. The party believed that by upping the ante so early in the tenure of the government, it would stall the wave. 

But if the PEW research is any indication, maybe it is a time for strategy reboot for Rahul Gandhi and co. The survey shows that in terms of favourability quotient, BJP is ahead of the Congress by a whopping 30 points. And not only in urban areas where the Internet savvy bhakts allegedly live, but also  in rural areas of the country. 

Also irrespective of gender, age and other factors like educational qualification, Modi is much more popular than Rahul Gandhi. 

Now let us look at individual issues where Congress has tried to skewer BJP.

One big issue has been corruption, where the Congress attacked on Lalitgate and Vyapam Scam. There 61% of those surveyed approve of the steps taken by Modi. The numbers drop slightly for Congress supporters but still a majority (56%) support steps taken by Modi. Similarly for two other sticking points of communal  tension and terrorism, even among Congress supporters Modi maintain a fair degree of support. So all that jibe of where is 56 inch seem to have not worked with the  electorate. The only place where Modi scores negatively is his rather muddled Pakistan policy.

The most worrying index for Congress must be Modi's popularity in the 18-29 age-group. An astounding 91% of people have shown faith in the Prime Minister.  The numbers vary but it never dips significantly for any demographic. 

The takeaway message from this survey is that though the honeymoon period may have ended for the media, for the common people, Modi still remains a glimmer of hope. The Acche Din may still take some time far but the voters are willing to wait, eager to give their trusted lieutenant chance to fulfil in promise.

In the light of this oasis of enthusiasm, Congress' blatant negative politics sticks out like a sore thumb. It comes across as a desperate party who are yet to come in terms with their loss in  the election.

BJP tried this strategy post their 2004 defeat and ended up with a greater slump in 2009. Opposition parties are meant to oppose, specially in the Indian democracy which is still evolving, but the time and space needs to be right.  As of now, the Congress is draining out its resource much before it should do.

The results in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh civic polls and BBMP elections have shown that Congress' extreme rhetoric has not cut much ice with the voters. Rahul Gandhi's personal  popularity may be up, but he is not backed up with organisational skill or solid issues to pinpoint. 

Can Congress do a course correction and slightly re-caliberate their strategy? Maybe supporting GST which was essentially their baby will be a good way to turn a new  leaf.

We will only find out later. For now, the PEW survey should be a warning to the Congress.