The Bharatiya Janata Party and Narendra Modi came to power in 2014 on the promise of bringing “achhe din” – prosperous days – for Indians. But the last decade has brought formidable challenges for vast sections of Indians, especially those at the bottom of the pyramid.

What is on the mind of voters who are struggling with joblessness and income insecurity?

Will they still vote for Narendra Modi?

Or is their enchantment with the party fading? Scroll reporters find out in a new series, No achhe din, but…

‘They built the Ram temple. That is bigger than providing jobs.’

This Mumbai security guard works 18 hours a day to earn what he did five years ago, but does not blame the Modi government for his difficult life.

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‘My son lost his job during demonetisation but at least it removed black money’

For an elderly voter in western UP, the prime minister’s personal appeal and a perceived improvement in law and order prevail over her family’s difficulties.

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‘Modi promised us money in our accounts. What did we get? Rs 15 lakh in debt’

A chilli farmer in Uttar Pradesh, once loyal to BJP, is rethinking his vote because of local-level corruption and stagnating farm incomes

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‘We lost jobs, had no food during Covid, but what could the Modi government have done?’

This 46-year-old woman from Mumbai admits that BJP’s welfare benefits have not reached her, but will continue to vote for the party.

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