Feeling the pinch of the fuel price hike, the urban middle class has dealt a severe blow to the Manmohan Singh Government, giving the Prime Minister's push for reforms a big thumbs down. The aam admi, Congress' target group, feels the government has not just lost credibility in the face of corruption charges, but also that its policies are burning a hole in their pockets.
A CNN-IBN survey conducted across six urban cities shows that 57 per cent feel UPA 2 has failed its battle against inflation. The other big let down is corruption with 32 per cent of the respondents claiming it’s a matter of concern.
After Mamata's exit, UPA 2 is struggling with numbers but adding to the nightmare are DMK and NCP who're now demanding a rollback of reforms. The Congress may try to appease its allies with sweet deals but the aam admi is gunning for its head.
When asked if the government's decision to hike diesel prices is justified, 87 per cent said no and that's a figure the government needs to worry about, and revamp its game-plan for 2014.
The decision to reduce the cap on subsidised LPG cylinders to 6 is hurting every kitchen as had been predicted by the Left and other opposition parties.
The government stands isolated with 93 per cent of Indians saying the move is unjust. In capital Delhi 99 per cent of the respondent have voted against the government's move.
So what should the limit on the number of subsidised LPG cylinders in a year be? The people of India say a realistic one cylinder per month is an essential requirement.
Battling negative public perception here's another shocker for the government. Dr Manmohan Singh's push for FDI in retail, a move clearly aimed at winning the support of the urban middle class has backfired at well.
A vehement no coming from 76 per cent of the respondents when asked if they think FDI in retail is a correct decision.
We asked – what will be the impact of FDI in retail?
Fifty-three per cent think neighbourhood shops will be out of business and 23 per cent say the consumer will be the biggest gainer because of competitive pricing. Remember trade unions are a major votebank for political parties and the UPA cannot afford to get on their wrong side.
Under attack from the opposition, isolated by its close ally the TMC, desperately trying to hold on to the DMK and NCP as they too demand a rollback will UPA 2 be able to complete its full term?
Almost 41 per cent say no and 14 per cent claim there could be snap polls this year itself.
The government is clearly losing the people's trust and the Prime Minister is leading the nose dive. Labelled Underachiever by Time Magazine Dr Manmohan Singh seems to inspire no confidence among Indians either.
A vast majority - 67 per cent - say they have no faith in their Prime Minister and do not think he's capable of bailing the country out of the current economic crisis.
But even as the Prime Minister's popularity hits a new low, Mamata seems to have gained immensely by walking out of the UPA. Riding her pro-people and pro-poor agenda Mamata's strong stance is being hailed by the common man. Sixty-seven per cent support her decision to withdraw support and 64 per cent feel she's shown strong political will.
But UPA's loss is not NDA's gain. The lead opposition cannot expect to ride the anti-incumbency wave in 2012. As far as political alternatives go it's a toss between Anna Hazare and Arvind Kejriwal.
Fifty-two per cent feel Anna made the right choice by not launching a political party but 40 per cent are in favour of Arvind Kejriwal's decision.
Interestingly a majority across metros claim they will support a candidate put up by the India Against Corruption group.
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