NEW DELHI 23 OCTOBER
A SURVEY conducted in eight metropolitan cities concludes
that 51 per cent of the people want the BJP-led government
to continue in office, but 38 per cent are dissatisfied
with its performance.
Assembly elections to four states, two BJP-ruled are due on
November 25, and according to the survey price rise remains
a major sore point with the people interviewed.
A release by Development and Research Services from Mr GVL
Narasimha Rao conducted a survey among 2,050 voters in the
first fortnight of October.
Asked to comment on the working of the Vajpayee government,
the divide was virtually half. While 42 per cent reported
satisfaction with the government's performance, 38 per cent
expressed their displeasure. Twenty per cent, however,
remained non-commital.
The central government which is tackling with a rising
consumer price index and inflation rate would not be
surprised by what people surveyed had to say about the
major problem facing them.
Price rise was mentioned by 42 per cent as a major
shortcoming of the government whereas 17 per cent felt the
BJP government had failed to live up to its promise to
provide a stable government. For 13 per cent, ``lack of
development'' was the main grievance against the central
government.
The efforts of CPI(M)-led non-BJP Opposition to form an
alternative government has failed to evoke any enthusiasm
among the voters going by the survey. After two shortlived
United Front governments, 51 per cent of those polled
favour a continuation of the Vajpayee government. A mere 36
per cent of those polled are against a change in the
government.
The May 11-13 nuclear tests are considered as the key
achievement of the government with 44 per cent supporting
the decision. Foreign policy, too, gets a supporting hand
from those surveyed.
Home minister L K Advani, criticised by the Opposition for
targetting ISI of Pakistan for political reasons, has won
hands down in the survey. Picked up for his best
performance, 58 per cent polled in Mr Advani's favour while
Samta Party leader and defence minister, Mr George
Fernandes came a close second with 54 per cent support.
The individual rating of these ministers was higher than
the approval rating of just 42 per cent for the central
government.
Finance minister, Mr Yashwant Sinha, has reasons to cheer
about with 45 per cent rating and human resources minister,
Mr Murli Manohar Joshi, currently embroiled in a
controversy to change the education curricula, securing 44
per cent.