If you believed that the Father of Nation Mahatma Gandhi is the greatest leader of all times, think again!! Zee News Opinion Poll demolishes the myth and a few others. In a startling revelation about the aggressive mood in the country, the poll hosted on the Zee News website www.zeenews.com shows Sardar Patel doesn’t just give Gandhi a tough fight, he also lodges himself just ahead of the Mahatma with 30% vote share.

Clearly India, 56 years after achieving independence, is looking for a leader who can face situations head on and take some bold decisions.

Zee News conducted a poll called “Best of India” with 10 questions. The results reflect the opinion of 1,48,438 respondents from a cross section of India. While viewers voted on the website, the channel followed the contest closely, showing the swinging margins through slick graphics and anchor updates.

In the same sentiment, Indians continue to look to the 1971 War as the ‘Most Glorious Moment’ of Independent India. A cricket crazy country gives 1983 World Cup Victory the silver medal. Pokharan beats Kargil War for the third place.

In what could be good news for the BJP ahead of elections, Atal Bihari Vajpayee is the favourite prime minister. He is followed by Indira Gandhi and Lal Bhadur Shastri.

Nobel laureate Mother Teresa remains the ‘Best Personality’ of the country. Next in line is the “people’s president” A P J Abdul Kalam. India’s melody queen Lata Mangeshkar is third best loved. The state that beat militancy and has made a successful comeback to mainstream, the state that is known for its zest for life: Punjab wins with flying colours in the ‘Best State’ category. Kerala, the first state to achieve 100% literacy, is second. Industrialised Maharashtra stands third on the podium but is given cut throat competition by Gujarat.

The new India is in for making money. Even if we need to beat the system for it. So be it. Dhirubhai Ambani beats J R D Tata for the top businessman slot. Narayan Murthy is a distant third, but again locked in a close contest with Azim Premji.

A few predictables……Amitabh Bachchan and Sachin Tendulkar are voted as the greatest actor and sportsperson respectively. The Big B wins by the biggest margin in the entire poll breaching the 60% mark. Perfectionist Aamir Khan and our Oscar hope settles for second place just ahead of showman Raj Kapoor.
Haryana Hurricane Kapil Dev is runners up in sports category. He is followed by Dhyan Chand, who put Indian hockey on the world map.

Sholay wins hands down as the ‘Best Film’, far ahead of much touted Mother India and Lagaan. But for all those for whom the yesteryears’ heroine Madhubala rules their heart, she is not number one. Dhak Dhak girl Madhuri Dixit takes the trophy. Mesmerising Aishwarya and enduring beauty Rekha must settle for lesser positions.

Bureau Report