Prime Minister Narendra Modi continues to hold strong support in Assam, but opinions remain divided. The latest India Today Mood of the Nation (MOTN) poll, released in August 2025, shows that 49% of respondents in Assam rated Modi’s performance as ‘Good’.
The poll, which has long served as a reliable barometer of political opinion across India, reveals that despite challenges at the state and national levels, Modi retains a solid base of approval in Assam. The results provide fresh insights into how voters are perceiving governance, development initiatives, and party performance.
Approval ratings underline Modi’s Assam connect
The survey results reflect the strong connect that Modi has built with the northeastern state over the past decade. Assam has remained an important political ground for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has consistently emphasized infrastructure projects, peace accords with ethnic groups, and cultural preservation efforts in the region.
According to the MOTN findings, nearly half of the respondents in Assam still see Modi’s leadership in a positive light. While 49% said his performance was ‘Good’, a smaller percentage rated it as ‘Excellent’. On the other hand, critics voiced concerns over rising unemployment, inflation, and regional issues, with some voters rating the government’s performance as ‘Poor’.
Key issues influencing Assam’s mood
The poll highlights that public opinion in Assam is shaped by a range of local and national concerns. Economic challenges, including price rise and lack of employment opportunities, continue to dominate voter sentiment. At the same time, welfare schemes such as PM-KISAN, health initiatives, and investments in connectivity projects remain popular among beneficiaries.
Another important factor is the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and its impact on Assam’s demographic and cultural balance. While the BJP has defended the law as a humanitarian measure, many communities in Assam continue to view it as a sensitive issue that influences their political choices.
BJP’s state leadership and future prospects
The survey also puts the spotlight on the role of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who has been instrumental in strengthening the BJP’s influence in Assam. Sarma’s aggressive style of politics and his ability to connect with the grassroots have added to the BJP’s organizational strength.
However, the MOTN poll suggests that while Modi remains a popular figure, the BJP’s state unit faces challenges in maintaining the same level of enthusiasm. The Congress and regional parties, though fragmented, continue to find resonance among sections of the population that feel left out of the development process.
Comparison with national trends
On a national scale, the MOTN survey shows that Modi continues to be India’s most popular leader, though with varying degrees of approval across states. Assam’s numbers align closely with the national average, underscoring the state’s role as a crucial battleground in shaping the larger political narrative.
The survey also sheds light on voter expectations ahead of the 2026 Assam Assembly elections. While the BJP remains in a strong position, the opposition is expected to leverage regional identity, economic issues, and dissatisfaction among youth to mount a challenge.
Expert analysis and political implications
Political analysts believe that the 49% approval rating in Assam signals both strength and vulnerability for the BJP. On one hand, Modi’s personal popularity ensures that the party continues to dominate the state’s political landscape. On the other hand, the lack of overwhelming support leaves room for the opposition to mobilize discontent.
According to experts, maintaining this approval rating will require the BJP to deliver on promises related to employment, education, and social inclusion. Failure to address these issues could tilt the balance in favor of opposition parties in the coming years.
Voter mood sets the stage for 2026
The Mood of the Nation poll provides an important snapshot of public opinion at a time when Assam is preparing for critical elections. Modi’s image as a strong leader continues to resonate, but the poll indicates that the electorate is watching closely for results on the ground.
As Assam gears up for the next political cycle, the BJP will likely intensify its focus on development initiatives, welfare schemes, and cultural outreach to sustain its voter base. The opposition, meanwhile, sees this as an opportunity to sharpen its campaigns and rebuild lost ground.
The India Today MOTN poll highlights the Mood of Assam as one of cautious approval for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. With 49% rating his performance as ‘Good’, the survey underscores both the strength of Modi’s brand and the challenges ahead for the BJP.
As Assam prepares for future political battles, the findings serve as a reminder that voter sentiment is dynamic and deeply influenced by local realities. The state will remain a crucial testing ground for national politics, and the coming years will decide whether Modi and the BJP can convert approval into lasting electoral dominance.