Four-State Survey: Key Trends and Issues Leading Up to Upcoming Assembly Elections

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 23rd August. As assembly elections approach in four states—Haryana, Jammu & Kashmir, Maharashtra, and Jharkhand—a survey conducted by Aaj Tak in collaboration with C-Voter sheds light on public sentiment. The “Mood of the Nation” survey presents insights into the political landscape and voter preferences ahead of the polls.

The survey reveals that if general elections were held today, the NDA could secure 44% of the vote and 299 seats, while the INDIA bloc might obtain 40% of the vote and 233 seats. Other parties are projected to receive 16% of the vote and 11 seats. This indicates a close contest between the NDA and INDIA bloc, with the NDA showing a slight edge.

In Haryana, the survey highlights unemployment as the top issue. It finds that 27% of respondents are satisfied with the government’s performance, 44% are dissatisfied, and only 22% are pleased with Chief Minister’s performance. The BJP is projected to win 44 seats in the upcoming assembly elections.

For Jharkhand, where assembly elections are set for later this year, the survey shows that 27% of people are satisfied with the state government, 37% are unhappy, and 34% are somewhat satisfied. Regarding Chief Minister Hemant Soren, 25% are pleased with his work, 35% are dissatisfied, and 30% are somewhat satisfied. Satisfaction with the opposition is low, with only 14% expressing approval.

In Maharashtra, the survey indicates mixed feelings about the government. While 25% of respondents are fully satisfied with the state government, 34% are somewhat satisfied, and 34% express dissatisfaction. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s performance is approved by 35% of the populace, with 31% somewhat satisfied and 28% dissatisfied.

In Jammu & Kashmir, where assembly elections will be held for the first time since the abrogation of Article 370, the survey suggests that the PDP, led by Mehbooba Mufti, might win one seat out of five, a significant improvement from the recent Lok Sabha elections where they won none. The elections will occur in three phases: September 18, September 25, and October 1, with results announced on October 4. The survey notes that 47% of Jammu & Kashmir residents view unemployment as the major issue.