In a survey conducted in 28 cities across the country by a Hindi news channel and Nielsen, Modi has emerged as the favourite ahead of even Rahul Gandhi and Bihar CM Nitish Kumar.
New Delhi, Sep 1 (ABP) : Despite holding an image of being a staunch Hindutva supporter, Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi is the preferred prime ministerial choice of 42 per cent of respondents, who were surveyed to learn about their opinion by ABP News and Nielsen.
Rahul Gandhi has gained support of 26 per cent, who is likely to be Congress' choice to lead the nation if they win 2014 general elections
12 per cent of the respondents feel Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar is an ideal candidate to become the PM considering successful developments carried out by him in his state.
Around 37 per cent feel that Rahul Gandhi is still not ready to take up the big role of leading and taking decision for 1.2 billion countrymen. However, 30 per cent do feel that he does have the leadership quality in him.
Around 17 per cent felt that none of the three deserve to be on the top post to represent the country.
Modi who has turned out to be a poster boy of the BJP since 2002 could be a big reason as to why 49 per cent of the respondents feel that the BJP can be led more stably if the CM comes to power at the Centre.
BJP veteran Lal Krishna Advani is way behind in garnering votes for him as Modi leads him 51:28 as a better leader in the party.
Modi has been facing flak from a few NDA allies like the JD(U) and some from his own party, but 50 per cent do feel that he will be accepted as a PM candidate, while 32 per cent do not feel that the allies will show him the green signal.
There have been considerable reports of Modi and his party men playing a big role in the 2002 Gujarat riots. 44 per cent feel that if he were to apologise for the carnage then it would improve his image in political circles helping him woo more electorate.
But overall level 56 per cent respondents agree with the fact that BJP is currently facing issues like infighting, which can stall Modi's chances in being the frontrunner from their end.