As the Election Commission of India (ECI) announced the schedule for the Bihar Legislative Assembly elections on Monday, a fresh IANS-Matrize News Communications opinion poll indicates the strong influence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on voter sentiment. According to the survey, 57 per cent of respondents believe Modi's popularity will have a "big impact," with another 8 per cent saying "somewhat."

BJP seen as governance frontrunner

The poll suggests the BJP holds perceived strength among voters, with 35 per cent considering it the best party for good governance in Bihar. JD(U) follows at 18 per cent, RJD at 13 per cent, Jan Suraj at 8 per cent, Congress at 2 per cent, and others at lower levels.

Nitish Kumar retains chief ministerial edge

In the contest for chief minister, Nitish Kumar (JD-U) remains the preferred choice for 42 per cent of voters if elections were held today. Tejashwi Yadav (RJD) trails at 15 per cent, while Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj Party registers 9 per cent. Other contenders include Chirag Paswan (LJP-Ram Vilas) at 8 per cent, Samrat Choudhary (BJP) at 3 per cent, Giriraj Singh (BJP) at 1 per cent, and Upendra Kushwaha (JD-U) at 1 per cent. Seventeen per cent are undecided, and 4 per cent prefer others.

Strong approval for Nitish government on law and order

The survey highlights strong voter satisfaction with CM Nitish Kumar’s governance, particularly law and order, with 42 per cent "very satisfied" and 31 per cent "satisfied," totalling 73 per cent approval. On law and order, 72 per cent prefer the current government over Lalu Yadav’s era (10 per cent), while 12 per cent are dissatisfied with both and 6 per cent remain unsure.

Welfare schemes seen as electoral assets

The Nitish government’s welfare schemes appear to have bolstered its standing. The free 125 units of electricity is deemed highly beneficial by 61 per cent (big benefit) and 9 per cent (some benefit), while 21 per cent see no gain. Similarly, the Mahila Rozgar Yojana, providing ₹10,000 installments to women, has positively impacted 52 per cent (quite positive) and 10 per cent (somewhat) of families, though 19 per cent report no effect and 19 per cent are unsure.

Scepticism over RJD employment promise

Voter trust appears low regarding RJD’s promise of 10 lakh government jobs, with 61 per cent expressing "no trust at all," 18 per cent having "full trust," 11 per cent "partial," and 10 per cent "unsure." This scepticism could challenge Tejashwi Yadav’s focus on youth employment.

Voter list revision receives approval

Regarding the ECI’s Special Intensive Revision of voter lists, 54 per cent approve it as a "good step," 17 per cent consider it "necessary," while 16 per cent remain undecided