People’s Verdict: Key Signals that Modi Needs to Pay Attention To

Modi 2025: Rising Jobs, Inflation, and Inequality Signal Voter Concerns

Prime Minister Narendra Modi remains a colossus of India’s political environment. Global monitors such as the Morning Consult Global Leader Approval Rating (July 2025) place him at approximately 75%, the record among international leaders. 

However, 2025 has also indicated that while his supremacy remains unchallenged, issues of jobs, prices, and inequality are increasingly being felt. These changes indicate the possibility of a costly plateauing in political popularity.

Has Modi’s Popularity Plateaued?

The India Today–Cvoter Mood of the Nation survey (August 2025) showed Modi’s ‘good’ performance rating dipping to 58%, down from 62% in February. The NDA government’s own ratings fell more sharply. This plateau ensues after a decade of consistently high numbers.

Analysts point toward possible reasons such as voter fatigue, tougher opposition campaigns, and economic stress. The finding does not signal collapse but indicates Modi’s popularity is no longer climbing.

Why is the Economy Under Scrutiny?

India’s FY25 GDP growth is anticipated at 6.3–6.5% by the United Nations and the OECD projections, a far cry from the government target of 8%. The Economic Survey 2024-25 has identified weak investment by the private sector and subdued consumption as structural issues.

Therefore, the strain feels sharper for a common household. A Kantar pre-Budget survey (January 2025) found that 59% of Indians termed inflation, mainly rising prices of food and fuel, as their greatest worry. Wage increases have lagged behind rising prices. Large families indicate an increased debt burden. The so-called ‘India growth story’ appears far from its own reality.

Are Jobs and Skills the New Fault Line?

The Periodic Labour Force Survey (July 2025) registered a drop in unemployment to 5.2%, aided by growth in rural jobs. However, the mood is not upbeat. Just 37% of the Indian workforce felt optimistic about professional development, and even fewer opined that their employers were investing time and money in upskilling them, according to an ADP ‘People at Work 2025’ report.

In a sense, fears of automation have jangled nerves all the more. The Economic Survey observed that nearly 68% of white-collar workers fear job displacement due to AI within five years. Without visible reskilling programs, the promise of making India a global talent hub through Modi may sound hollow.

Is Inequality Becoming Politically Risky?

The feeling that policy is pro-business has been honed. The Mood of the Nation poll’s respondents indicated that schemes like PM-Kisan or free distribution of foodgrains are welcome but inadequate against escalating prices and uncertain employment.

Regionally, the divide is sharper. An Ipsos IndiaBus Survey (February 2025) showed Modi’s approval at 86% in the North but only 32% in the South. If it deepens, this southern alienation could strengthen regional parties and opposition fronts.

What Do Voters Want Now?

In a series of surveys, middle-class voters are asking for greater tax exemption limits, relief from the cost of education and healthcare, and steps to curb inflation. Farm households are asking for fair prices for crops and job security.

The Telegraph (July 2025) quoted economists warning of abrupt fiscal deficit reduction, saying growth would be strangled. The government’s greatest policy challenge is balancing prudence with relief.

Can Foreign Policy Offset Domestic Strain?

Modi’s global stature remains a strong card. Foreign-policy issues play a significant role in shaping India’s image across the world, along with its membership of the G20, BRICS, or engagement in the Indo-Pacific framework, as reported by Reuters and Business Standard. 

Still, foreign principles cannot be channeled to pacify domestic discontent. The voters judge governments based on jobs, inflation, and equity.

The Road Ahead

The signals of 2025 are clear. Modi is still the most popular prime minister, but approval has flattened. Slowing growth, inflation weariness, job and skill fret, and expanding perceptions of inequality are reconfiguring public opinion.
The government’s mandate will be safe if Modi 3.0 is about concrete relief, lower prices, quality jobs, and more equitable growth. If not, today’s plateau can turn into tomorrow’s slide.