Punjab is the only non-South Indian state where Modi has a negative approval rating. Now, why do the people of Punjab dislike Modi so much? The reasons aren’t very different from Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh – anger with a central leader perceived as authoritarian.

According to Tridivesh Singh Maini, who teaches at the Jindal School of International Affairs, “Punjab has always gone against the tide nationally. The people in Punjab are distrustful of authoritarian leaders and want a central government that is respectful of federalism. Meddling in states is not liked in Punjab”.

This is further intensified by the fact that Modi is also seen as being ideologically at variance with the ethos in the state. In Kerala for instance, a significant part of the dislike for Modi comes from the sizable population of Muslims and Christians in the state. Punjab’s case is no different, being a Sikh majority state.

According to the Lokniti-CSDS pre-poll survey, nationally the dislike for Modi is highest among Sikhs, more than even Christians and Muslims. On being asked if Modi should be given another chance as the Prime Minister, 68 percent Sikhs said “No” against 21 percent who answered in the affirmative. Since nearly 80 percent of all Indian Sikhs stay in Punjab, this is broadly representative of their viewpoint.