43 per cent of Indians backed Narendra Modi as the leading choice for the next Prime Minister while Rahul Gandhi emerged as the second choice, according to an opinion poll by a market research agency.
According to the poll conducted by Ipsos, the support for Mr Modi's candidature was higher among men than women.
The support for Mr Modi was strong in Lucknow, Bangalore and Chennai while the sentiment against him was high in Kolkata, Delhi and Mumbai, a statement said.
Mr Gandhi had more support among women than men and he got strong support from Bangalore while there were voices against him in Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai and Delhi.