Narendra Modi trails Rahul in south, is English a factor?

Bangalore, July 27: The CNN-IBN poll survey in partnership with The Hindu (conducted by the CSDS, New Delhi) revealed on Friday that Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi is leading the pack as the most-favoured prime ministerial candidate.

Survey findings:

The list of leaders preferred as prime ministerial candidate at this point of time:

When compared between Modi and Rahul, while 33% wants the former as the PM, 31% wants the latter.

Among Muslim voters, while 45% want Rahul Gandhi as the prime minister, 18% back Modi.

Among Congress workers, 66% wants Rahul Gandhi as the PM while in the BJP, 79% wants Modi as the PM.

Experts say:

1. Narendra Modi leads for her has proved himself as an administrator. Rahul Gandhi is yet to accomplish 'any job'.

2. Narendra Modi doesn't have much appeal in the south for he hardly speaks in English.

3. The BJP's little presence in the south is another reason behind Modi's less popularity.

4. Narendra Modi's popularity ahead of that of either the BJP or the NDA.

5. The total votes in favour of Rahul or Modi are not much. Regional leaders are also important.

6. The next Lok Sabha election is set to be more presidential than ever though the experts were divided on this. Some said the basic structure of the Indian electoral politics doesn't allow it to become a presidential type. Personalities still matter, feel many of the experts.

7. The Congress is more confused over choosing a prime ministerial candidate and needs to settle it fast. Rahul Gandhi looks reluctant to take up the top job.

OneIndia News