The political landscape in India is witnessing a major shift as the latest India Today-CVoter Mood of the Nation (MOTN) survey for January 2026 brings big news. According to the findings, if Lok Sabha elections were held today, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) would secure a massive 352 seats. This is a significant jump from their 2024 performance, suggesting that the “Modi Wave” is not just alive but actually growing stronger as the nation moves further into 2026.
One of the most interesting parts of this survey is how Indian voters are reacting to global changes. In the West, Donald Trump’s return to the White House has brought a “mercurial” and unpredictable style of politics, causing a lot of tension worldwide regarding trade and visas. However, in India, this global “hungama” seems to have made Prime Minister Narendra Modi even more popular. Instead of being worried, many Indian voters feel that only a strong leader like PM Modi can handle a tough leader like Trump. The survey shows that voters trust “Brand Modi” to protect India’s interests, especially after India refused to bend on trade tariffs while successfully signing new deals with the UK and Europe.
INDIA Bloc Projected to Shrink as Momentum Fades
The numbers tell a story of a “recovering” BJP and a “slipping” Opposition. While the BJP’s own tally is projected to cross the majority mark at 287 seats, the INDIA bloc is seeing a downward trend. From winning 234 seats in the 2024 elections, the Opposition alliance is now projected to drop to just 182 seats. Even though Rahul Gandhi’s personal popularity ratings have improved, the survey suggests this hasn’t yet helped the Congress party win more seats. Recent election losses in states like Delhi, Bihar, and Maharashtra have further weakened the Opposition’s momentum.
Voters also seem to be moving away from local complaints. While 17% of people still feel unemployment is a big failure, a larger number of people are prioritising political stability. With the global situation looking shaky, 15% of respondents specifically mentioned that India needs a steady government to stay safe. This “security-first” mindset has helped the NDA increase its projected vote share to 47%.
As India heads into a high-stakes election season in states like West Bengal and Tamil Nadu, these MOTN results are a huge “shot in the arm” for the ruling coalition. It appears that for the Indian public, the combination of a strong domestic image and a firm hand in global diplomacy is a winning formula. For now, while Trump dominates the discourse in the West, it is clearly “Modi in the rest” as far as Indian voters are concerned.
Deputy Editor, Prime Post
Anand Gantela is a seasoned media professional with nearly three decades of experience across the spectrum of Indian journalism. Having worked extensively in both print and broadcast media, he has held key positions at renowned outlets such as Prajashakthi, Andhra Bhoomi, Mudra, Media India, Siti Cable, Mana Telugu, and Maa TV. From ground-level reporting to managing news bureaus and overseeing bulletin production, Anand has witnessed the evolution of news firsthand. His wealth of experience reflects a deep understanding of the dynamic and ever- evolving landscape of news reporting.
