Kejriwal tops non-UPA, non-NDA PM probable; Modi is still middle class 'messiah': Survey

February 16, 2014

New Delhi, Feb 16: BJP prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi continues to be the top choice for Prime Minister, according to an India Today Group/CVoter survey of the Indian Middle Class with 52.1 per cent preferring him. Aam Aadmi party leader Arvind Kejriwal came second at 15.8 per cent and Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi third at 11.5 per cent.

modi-kejri
Asked about Modi's key attributes, the middle class ranked development (29.4 per cent) above Hindu nationalism (26.1 per cent).

Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal continues to be the favourite for PM from the non-UPA, non-NDA lot with 25.7 per cent support. Mayawati, surprisingly, came in second with 8.2 per cent and Mulayam Singh Yadav third at 5 per cent.

The middle class, however, thought Rahul Gandhi was the best bet in the Congress for PM. Rahul got 41.1 per cent, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh got 13.3 per cent. While they may crib about the Gandhi dynasty monopoly in the Congress, 51.8 per cent of the middle class was sure the party cannot do without the family.

Though Manmohan Singh got a measly 2.2 per cent for top choice for PM, almost 61 per cent of respondents said Singh is an honest person despite the coal scam besmirching the economist-PM's image.

But there was no respite for the UPA 2 which continued to be slammed by the middle class for price rise and corruption. The respondents said price rise at 37 per cent and corruption at 36.6 per cent were the hallmarks of the government that has ruled since 2009. The UPA's mismanagement of the economy was also noted to be the second biggest reason for the slowing down of the India growth story at 25.1 per cent, corruption was the first reason at 34.3 per cent.

While 58.2 per cent of the middle class said it was 'not at all satisfied' with Manmohan Singh, 52.5 per cent said it was very much satisfied with Modi. Even Rahul Gandhi got a dismal rating with 47.3 per cent saying they were not at all satisfied.

Corruption was the most troubling issue for the middle class. Among those polled, 40.4 per cent said bribes affected them the most, followed by rising prices at 18 per cent and unemployment at 11.7 per cent. The survey found the middle class least interested in hostility between India and its neighbours and Naxalism, which was said to be India's biggest internal security threat by PM Manmohan Singh a few years ago.

But Naxals were the third biggest threat to India at 21.4 per cent after cross-border terror (34.3 per cent) and religious fundamentalism (26.8 per cent).

With 50 per cent of the respondents saying AAP will replicate their Delhi success in the Lok Sabha, the middle class is divided since an equal number say it can't.

The India Today/CVoter survey was conducted between January 3 and 30 across all states interviewing 17,463 randomly selected middle income group respondents across all demographics. The respondents were divided into lower middle class, middle and upper.

Comments

Add new comment

  • Coastaldigest.com reserves the right to delete or block any comments.
  • Coastaldigset.com is not responsible for its readers’ comments.
  • Comments that are abusive, incendiary or irrelevant are strictly prohibited.
  • Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name to avoid reject.
News Network
November 10,2024

tokkottudeath.jpg

Mangaluru: A tragic accident took place on Saturday at Chembugudde near Thokkottu, claiming the life of a 47-year-old woman after a tanker lorry ran over her. The victim, identified as Rahmat H Rashid, was riding pillion with her husband, Abdul Rashid G, on their scooter. 

The couple was traveling from Yenepoya Hospital to Bajpe when the scooter skidded on the poorly maintained road. Rahmat fell onto the road and was fatally struck by a tanker lorry that was coming from behind. Despite being rushed to the hospital, doctors declared her dead upon arrival.

The incident prompted a swift response from the DYFI Ullal Taluk Committee, which staged a protest on Saturday night, condemning the unsafe condition of the road. Nithin Kuthar, president of the committee, criticized MLA and Legislative Assembly Speaker UT Khader for failing to ensure safe infrastructure, despite touting the road as toll-free. 

Kuthar demanded immediate repairs, warning that the committee would march to the MLA’s office with black flags if the road is not fixed within a week.

Former DYFI State President Sunil Kumar Bajal also voiced frustration over the deteriorating condition of Thokkottu market, highlighting the struggles people face while crossing roads riddled with dangerous potholes. In response to public outcry, temporary repairs were made to the road at Chembugudde on Sunday, though locals remain wary and demand a more permanent solution. 

Comments

Add new comment

  • Coastaldigest.com reserves the right to delete or block any comments.
  • Coastaldigset.com is not responsible for its readers’ comments.
  • Comments that are abusive, incendiary or irrelevant are strictly prohibited.
  • Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name to avoid reject.
News Network
November 7,2024

3yearoldchild.jpg

Mangaluru, Nov 7: In the quiet village of Tippunagar, Loretto Padavu, a heartbreaking accident claimed the life of three-year-old Aashika on Wednesday, leaving a family and community shattered.

Aashika, the beloved daughter of Unais from Pattanabailu near Farangipet, was simply enjoying a carefree moment, playing outside her grandmother’s house. It was then that an unimaginable tragedy struck: a parked goods tempo, owned by her uncle, unexpectedly rolled backward, trapping the innocent child beneath its wheels.

Despite her family’s desperate rush to get her to the hospital, little Aashika’s injuries proved too severe, and she was declared dead upon arrival. Her passing has cast a deep shadow over the close-knit community, who grieve alongside her family for the life taken too soon.

The Bantwal traffic police have registered a case and are investigating the incident, while the community mourns the loss of a precious young soul who had only just begun to experience life’s wonder.
 

Comments

Add new comment

  • Coastaldigest.com reserves the right to delete or block any comments.
  • Coastaldigset.com is not responsible for its readers’ comments.
  • Comments that are abusive, incendiary or irrelevant are strictly prohibited.
  • Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name to avoid reject.
News Network
November 5,2024

hdknikhil.jpg

Bengaluru: In a major legal twist, an FIR has been filed against Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy, his son Nikhil Kumaraswamy, and their close associate Suresh Babu. The trio is accused of threatening a senior IPS officer and making false allegations against him. The FIR, registered by the Sanjaynagar police, follows a complaint by Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) M. Chandrasekhar, who heads the Special Investigation Team (SIT) under the Karnataka Lokayukta.

Allegations Against Kumaraswamy
The crux of the case revolves around ADGP Chandrasekhar's investigation into Kumaraswamy's alleged illegal approval of a mining lease to Sri Sai Venkateshwara Minerals (SSVM). Kumaraswamy, currently serving as Union Minister for Steel and Heavy Industries, has been accused of bypassing legal procedures in favor of SSVM, prompting Chandrasekhar to seek the Karnataka Governor's approval to pursue legal action.

In response, Chandrasekhar claims that Kumaraswamy lashed out publicly. On September 28 and 29, the former Karnataka Chief Minister held press conferences, accusing the officer of bribery, misuse of medical records, and personal misconduct. According to the ADGP, Kumaraswamy also issued a threat of transferring him to another cadre outside Karnataka.

Nikhil and Aide Suresh Babu Involved
Kumaraswamy’s son Nikhil Kumaraswamy is also implicated in the controversy. On September 29, Nikhil allegedly echoed his father’s accusations against Chandrasekhar. The third individual named in the FIR, Suresh Babu, a close aide to Kumaraswamy, is accused of escalating the issue by writing a letter to the Karnataka Chief Secretary. This letter, containing further allegations, was made public on social media, adding to the pressure on the senior officer.

Legal Action and Charges
Though Chandrasekhar's complaint was filed in October, formal legal proceedings began on November 4 after securing approval from the 42nd Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (ACMM). The charges include Section 224 (threat of injury to a public servant) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). A police source familiar with the case confirmed the charges.

ADGP Chandrasekhar's Response
In a strong rebuttal, ADGP Chandrasekhar addressed his team and the media, branding Kumaraswamy as an accused person trying to intimidate the SIT. He emphasized that these attacks were intended to undermine his officers' morale and interfere with the investigation.

“An accused, no matter how powerful, remains an accused. This attempt to instill fear in the minds of officers is meant to hinder justice," Chandrasekhar said in a written statement. Referring to Kumaraswamy, he added, "This accused, who is currently out on bail, has resorted to such tactics to shake our resolve."

Quoting Shaw to Drive the Point Home
In a dramatic conclusion, Chandrasekhar cited playwright George Bernard Shaw, saying, “Never wrestle with pigs. You both get dirty, and the pig likes it,” signaling his intent to remain unshaken in the face of public accusations and personal threats.

Comments

Add new comment

  • Coastaldigest.com reserves the right to delete or block any comments.
  • Coastaldigset.com is not responsible for its readers’ comments.
  • Comments that are abusive, incendiary or irrelevant are strictly prohibited.
  • Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name to avoid reject.