Mood of the Nation August 2025: Narendra Modi and the Enduring Test of Governance

The Mood of the Nation (MOTN) survey of August 2025, conducted by India Today in partnership with CVoter, once again placed Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the centre of India’s political imagination. More than a decade into his premiership, Modi continues to command an unmatched hold over national politics, even though the latest survey reflects subtle shifts in public perception. While his approval ratings remain comfortably above the halfway mark, the data also reveals growing expectations, occasional discontent, and a nuanced verdict on his governance.

Modi’s Popularity: Still the First Choice

At the most direct level, the survey confirms that Modi continues to be the preferred choice for the Prime Minister’s chair. According to the August 2025 MOTN results, 52% of respondents said they want Modi to continue as Prime Minister, compared to 25% who preferred Rahul Gandhi. The remaining votes were scattered among other figures, including Nitin Gadkari (7.3%), Amit Shah (2.3%), Rajnath Singh (2.6%), and Mamata Banerjee (1.5%).

This dominance shows that no single opposition leader currently has the mass appeal to challenge Modi’s popularity. Rahul Gandhi has certainly consolidated his position as the main opposition leader, but he is still far behind. The double-digit gap ensures that Modi retains a commanding lead in the minds of voters.

Approval Ratings: Signs of a Plateau

While Modi’s personal appeal remains strong, the August 2025 MOTN also indicated a slight dip in approval ratings.

  • 58% of respondents rated Modi’s performance as “good”, compared to 62% in February 2025.
  • About 34% called his performance “outstanding”, 24% said “good,” and 13% rated it “average.”
  • Importantly, over one-fourth of respondents (around 26%) rated his performance as poor or very poor.

This suggests that although Modi is still the most trusted leader, there are pockets of dissatisfaction emerging. The dip, however, is marginal rather than dramatic, reflecting a plateauing effect rather than a collapse in support.

NDA Government’s Performance

The survey also evaluated the overall performance of the NDA government. In August 2025, 52.4% of respondents said the government’s performance was “good”, down from 62.1% in February. At the same time, the “neutral” category—people saying the government’s performance was “neither good nor bad”—rose to over 15%.

This means that while a majority of people still approve of the government, there is a growing number of Indians who are becoming cautious or undecided. These shifts could reflect concerns about inflation, unemployment, farmer distress, or social issues that often become prominent in the run-up to elections.

Governance Context: What Drives Modi’s Standing?

To understand Modi’s sustained popularity, one must consider the pillars of his governance narrative:

1. Economic Reforms and Infrastructure Push

Under Modi, India has consistently positioned itself as the fastest-growing major economy. Ambitious projects in roads, railways, airports, and digital infrastructure continue to create a sense of momentum. Initiatives such as Digital India, Gati Shakti, and Make in India resonate with urban and semi-urban voters who link Modi with progress and modernization.

2. Welfare Schemes and Direct Benefits

Schemes like PM-Kisan, Ayushman Bharat, and PM Ujjwala Yojana have made direct impacts in rural India. These programs not only uplift millions but also strengthen Modi’s image as a leader who delivers at the grassroots level.

3. National Security and Foreign Policy

Modi’s foreign policy and security posturing remain central to his appeal. His handling of India’s stance on global issues—from the Russia-Ukraine conflict to balancing relations with the US and China—reinforces his image as a strong leader on the world stage. The MOTN surveys over the years consistently show that voters view him as the best equipped to safeguard India’s national interests.

4. Cultural and Civilizational Narrative

Modi has seamlessly linked governance with a civilizational narrative, presenting himself as the protector of India’s heritage and cultural pride. Initiatives like the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya or the promotion of indigenous practices and festivals reinforce his standing among large sections of the population.

The Challenges Reflected in MOTN 2025

Even though Modi remains popular, the survey data highlights areas where discontent is emerging:

  1. Economic Pressures: While macroeconomic numbers remain positive, everyday issues like inflation and unemployment persist. This is especially important among younger voters entering the job market.
  2. Agrarian Concerns: Farmers remain a critical political constituency, and their perception of government policies continues to fluctuate. Any gap between expectations and delivery could become a challenge.
  3. Polarization and Social Cohesion: The NDA government has often been accused by critics of deepening social divides. The MOTN reflects a section of voters who worry about harmony and inclusiveness, even as Modi’s supporters highlight cultural pride.
  4. Governance Fatigue: After more than a decade in power, some voters naturally seek change. The survey shows signs of this fatigue with the rise of the “neutral” category.

Comparing Modi with the Opposition

The MOTN 2025 clearly shows that the opposition still struggles to project a united alternative. Rahul Gandhi’s approval as Leader of the Opposition has improved—50% rated his performance as good—but that does not translate into mass preference for him as Prime Minister. Other leaders like Mamata Banerjee or Arvind Kejriwal are restricted to regional bases.

In contrast, Modi’s brand has become pan-Indian, cutting across states, communities, and demographics. Even with minor dips in approval, his personal charisma and established record keep him well ahead of challengers.

Implications for 2029 and Beyond

The MOTN August 2025 results suggest that Modi remains on track to lead the BJP into the 2029 general elections as its undisputed face. His ability to sustain approval ratings above 50% after more than a decade in power is a testament to his political skills and governance model.

However, the survey also warns of challenges. If economic grievances deepen or opposition parties become more cohesive, the margins could narrow. Modi’s task will be to maintain momentum while addressing pressing concerns like employment, rural distress, and rising aspirations of India’s youth.

Conclusion

The Mood of the Nation 2025 survey places Narendra Modi in a familiar yet challenging position. He is still the undisputed leader of Indian politics, the first choice for a majority of Indians, and far ahead of his rivals. Yet, the gradual dip in approval ratings and government satisfaction points to a public that is becoming more demanding and critical.

For Modi, this is both a warning and an opportunity. The warning is that complacency could erode the BJP’s dominance over time. The opportunity lies in using his political capital to push through deeper reforms, strengthen welfare delivery, and ensure inclusive growth.

As of 2025, the verdict is clear: India still trusts Narendra Modi to lead the nation. The real test, however, will be whether he can convert enduring popularity into long-term governance achievements that secure his legacy well beyond electoral victories.

Comments are closed.