PM Modi Popularity Grows, Arvind Kejriwal Takes Biggest Hit: Pew Survey

New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is the Indian leader who has taken the greatest hit in public approval in the last year, reports American think tank called the Pew Research Centre.

Mr Kejriwal polled at 39 per cent. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was at 88 per cent. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi scored 58 per cent.

Mr Kejriwal is now less popular than Mr Gandhi's mother, Sonia Gandhi, who is Congress chief and won 57 per cent.

The survey is based on a sample of about 2,500 people polled between February and March this year.

In 2015, Mr Kejriwal, a former tax official and anti-corruption activist, disrupted Indian politics with superlative force, winning all but three seats in the national capital's election. Since then, however, he has been accused by critics of floundering governance. Earlier this year, he lost a major bid to win neighbouring Punjab.

"Nationwide, Kejriwal's popularity is down; if it was Delhi-centric, it could have been different. You would know better why it's gone down? Are these for emotive issues or for rational reasons, we don't know yet," said Bruce Stokes, Pew Director.

The AAP however rubbished the report. "This looks some sham survey. Any survey which is eight months old how - can it be reflect the reality of today? Survey to be credible should be immediate, and not old," party leader Ashutosh said.