When The Indian Express-CNN-IBN-CSDS Gujarat Poll survey was conducted in the first week of November, the findings—reported on November 15—revealed that the BJP was ahead of the Congress. That’s not to say the lead will remain intact on election day.According to the survey, while Narendra Modi is the most popular BJP leader in the state, he is also more popular than any other leader. When asked about the choice of the next chief minister, 40 per cent chose Modi, 9 per cent opted for Congress’ S.S. Vaghela and Keshubhai Patel came in a poor third with 4 per cent votes.But what seems an asset for the BJP can also become a liability. For the survey revealed that Modi’s leadership is considered dictatorial by 34 per cent of the people, though 24 per cent disagreed and 42 per cent didn’t respond. Significantly, Modi’s dictatorial style doesn’t find favour among the traditional BJP voters as compared to the traditional Congress voters. This is even reflected in the state’s non-committed voters, who make up 24 per cent of the total voters.Among the traditional BJP supporters, 21 percent wanted Modi to remain the party leader, but disapproved of what he did with the rebels. Only 4 per cent wanted Modi to be replaced.
