Prime Minister Modi continues to be the BJP’s most popular leader, and Shah is confident there is no dip in Modi’s personal appeal. Several surveys conducted by Shah have shown that Modi’s popularity has increased since 2014 and he continues to be several miles ahead of his nearest rivals.
With no clarity on opposition’s prime ministerial candidate, who will take on Modi in 2019, the BJP is confident it will have an advantage in the next election.
The Congress continues to be the main rivals of the BJP. Shah has told BJP leaders that any anti-Modi formulation will not survive without the support of the grand old party.
The Congress has lost a series of election, Punjab being an exception, and there is no immediate relief in the sight.
The BJP is confident of winning Himachal Pradesh and Karnataka next year. Both are ruled by the Congress. With Congress weakening in the states, Shah is hopeful it will not be able to survive BJP onslaught in the next election.
