The January 2026 edition of the survey shows Modi emerging as the top choice for Prime Minister with 55 percent support, up from 52 percent in August 2025 and 49 percent in August 2024. Rahul Gandhi, meanwhile, continues his upward trajectory, with 27 percent of respondents backing him as the most suitable prime minister, compared to 25 percent in the previous poll and just 7 percent in January. 2022.
Trend data highlights Modi’s continued dominance, alongside a steady increase in support for Rahul Gandhi over the past four years, reflecting voters’ changing perceptions even as the leadership gap remains wide.
BJP RECOVERS, CONGRESS SLIDES OUT
The survey also points to a widening electoral gap between the BJP and the Congress. If Lok Sabha elections were held today, the BJP would be expected to win 287 seats, a gain of 27 compared to August 2025 and a sharp recovery from the 240 seats in the 2024 general elections.
The Congress, on the other hand, is expected to win 80 seats, down 17 from the previous survey and well below its performance of 99 seats in 2024. Other parties are expected to win 176 seats, down from 10.
The projections indicate that while the BJP has regained political momentum, the Congress has struggled to sustain its post-2024 gains.
PUBLIC APPROVAL OF MODES REMAINS STABLE
Despite economic and governance challenges, public approval of Prime Minister Modi’s performance remains largely stable. In January 2026, 57 percent of respondents rated its performance as ‘good’, down marginally from 58 percent in August 2025 and 59 percent in August 2024.
Those who rated his performance as “average” stood at 16 percent, while 24 percent described the performance as “poor,” showing little change over the past year.
RAHUL’S RISING PROFILE, LIMITED ELECTORAL IMPACT
Rahul Gandhi’s improving numbers reflect his growing visibility and efforts to reposition himself as a national alternative to Modi. His favorability rating has nearly quadrupled since 2022, signaling broader acceptance beyond Congress’s traditional base.
However, the survey shows that this rising popularity has not yet translated into equivalent electoral gains for the party, which continues to face organizational weaknesses and alliance-related challenges in several key states.
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