New Delhi, Oct 6 (NationPress) With the Election Commission of India (ECI) revealing the timetable for the Bihar Legislative Assembly elections on Monday, where voting is slated for November 6 and 11 in two phases, and results to be counted on November 14, an insightful opinion poll by IANS-Matrize News Communications illustrates the prevailing voter sentiment. The 'Modi factor' emerges as a crucial influence, with 57 percent of respondents believing that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's popularity will significantly affect the elections, while 8 percent feel it will have a moderate impact.

This sentiment aligns with the perceived strength of the BJP, as 35 percent of participants consider it the most suitable party for effective governance in Bihar, surpassing JD(U) at 18 percent, RJD at 13 percent, Jan Suraj at 8 percent, Congress at 2 percent, and others.

The survey, conducted prior to the election dates, reveals strong approval for Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's governance, especially regarding law and order. However, persistent concerns like unemployment and inflation may pose challenges to the NDA's re-election efforts.

In the race for chief minister, Nitish Kumar (JD-U) is favored by 42 percent of voters should elections occur today, while Tejashwi Yadav (RJD) follows with 15 percent, and political strategist Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj Party garners 9 percent.

Other candidates include Chirag Paswan (LJP-Ram Vilas) at 8 percent, Samrat Choudhary (BJP) at 3 percent, Giriraj Singh (BJP) at 1 percent, and Upendra Kushwaha (JD-U) at 1 percent.

Seventeen percent remain undecided, while 4 percent prefer other options.

The IANS-Matrize poll, titled 'Opinion Poll Report @ Bihar,' surveyed voters on various issues, including the performance of local MLAs, welfare initiatives, and preferences for leadership.

A striking point is the high satisfaction rate with the Nitish Kumar-led government, as 42 percent of respondents express being 'very satisfied,' and 31 percent 'satisfied,' totaling 73 percent approval.

In terms of law and order, a fundamental aspect of Nitish's reputation, 72 percent prefer his administration over that of Lalu Yadav (just 10 percent), while 12 percent express dissatisfaction with both, and 6 percent remain uncertain.

This scenario could strengthen the NDA's position, especially following Nitish's return to the alliance in 2024, ahead of the 2025 Assembly polls.

Welfare initiatives are also viewed positively. The provision of 125 free units of electricity is seen as highly beneficial by 61 percent (big benefit) and 9 percent (some benefit), with only 21 percent predicting no advantage.

Similarly, the Mahila Rozgar Yojana, which offers ₹10,000 installments to women, has had a positive impact on 52 percent (quite positive) and 10 percent (somewhat) of families' economic situations, while 19 percent report no effect and another 19 percent are unsure.

However, skepticism towards the Opposition RJD's promise of 10 lakh government jobs is notable, with 61 percent expressing 'no trust at all,' 18 percent 'full trust,' 11 percent 'partial trust,' and 10 percent 'unsure.'

This could hinder Tejashwi Yadav's campaign, which has focused on creating employment for the youth.

Regarding the ECI's Special Intensive Revision of voter lists, 54 percent approve of it as a 'good step,' while 17 percent consider it 'necessary,' and 16 percent are undecided.