MAM
Indians are strong votaries of Populism & Nativism: Ipsos Global Survey
MUMBAI: According to a new survey by Ipsos christened Populist and Nativist Sentiment 2019, the survey provides an interesting peek into views of Indians, about their beliefs on macro issues, especially about governance and immigrants with a strong sentiment emerging for Populism and Nativism.
Interestingly, only 4 in 10 (40%) Indians believe that our society is broken. The sentiment is more profound at the global level, with over half of those polled (54%), across the 27 markets, believing that the society is broken; with some markets displaying alarming levels of disruption in society – particularly, Poland (84%), South Africa (78%), Brazil (74%) and Spain (69%).
The System is broken.
All is not hunky dory.
The good news for India ends there. So, while the society is not broken, the system is.
And there is a high level of disgruntlement palpable among Indians for 2 reasons: One, at least 69% of Indians polled feel that the economy is rigged to favor the rich and powerful. Two, 68% Indians feel that the traditional parties and politicians do not care about them.
Populism – panacea?
There is a strong belief in populism and its effects – at least 80% of urban Indians polled believe a strong leader can wrest the country back from the rich and powerful. Further, at least 72% Indians believe that India can be fixed by a strong leader, who is willing to break the rules. However, skepticism is also seen to be rife, with at least 61% Indians complaining that the experts do not understand their lives.
Nativism – strong sentiment for empowering the natives. Inclusivity for immigrants
At least 63% Indians strongly believe that in the scenario of scarce jobs, employers should prioritize hiring natives/ locals over immigrants. Also, 49% Indians believe that immigrants tend to grab social schemes, depriving the locals, who should’ve been the beneficiaries, first. At the same time at least 35% Indians believe that as a country we would be better off if we allowed immigrants to settle in, especially those who expressed their desire to. This sentiment is the highest in India vis-à-vis all 27 global markets.
"The System is broken, is the overriding view. It favors the rich and powerful and that politicians disregard interests of the Common Man. We see affinity for a strong leader, who is unafraid in taking bold decisions (Populism) and there is also a strong desire for Nativism – empowering of locals and natives via jobs and social schemes. There is a feeling of dilution, with immigrants taking away what is rightfully of the natives. At the same time, we see acceptance for immigrants, a feeling of empathy and inclusion," says Amit Adarkar, CEO, Ipsos India and Operations Director, Asia Pacific, Ipsos.
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Maharashtra panel orders Lodha to refund Rs 5 crore to homebuyers
Consumer court flags unfair practices in long-running property dispute case
MUMBAI: In a sharp rebuke to one of India’s biggest real estate players, the Maharashtra State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has directed Macrotech Developers to refund nearly Rs 5 crore to a senior citizen couple, Uttam and Anindita Chatterjee. The ruling, delivered on March 13, 2026, calls out the developer for “deficiency in service” and “unfair trade practices”, bringing closure to a dispute that has stretched over a decade.
The case traces back to 2015, when the couple booked a 3-BHK flat at World Towers in Lower Parel for Rs 12.22 crore, with possession promised within a year. What followed was a series of changes that complicated matters. After deciding to exit the project, they were persuaded to shift to a 4-BHK in another development priced at Rs 8 crore, with delivery scheduled for 2018. However, within months, the price was allegedly increased to Rs 10 crore. After demonetisation reshaped the market, similar flats were reportedly being offered at lower prices, but the couple were not given the benefit.
Despite paying over Rs 2.83 crore, the couple neither received possession nor clarity. Instead, in 2018, the developer unilaterally cancelled the booking, retained part of the amount as earnest money, and argued that the buyers were investors rather than consumers. The commission rejected this claim, observing that casual references to “investment” do not take away consumer rights when the purchase intent is residential.
The bench also held that the developer could not penalise buyers for payment delays while failing to meet its own delivery commitments. It noted the lack of formal documentation for revised terms and termed the prolonged retention of funds without delivering a home as exploitative.
As part of its order, the commission directed the developer to refund Rs 2.83 crore paid by the couple, along with interest at 10 per cent per annum, amounting to around Rs 2.12 crore. In addition, Rs 1 lakh has been awarded for mental agony and Rs 50,000 towards litigation costs, taking the total payout to over Rs 5 crore. The developer has been asked to comply within two months.
For now, the ruling serves as a reminder that in real estate, shifting terms and delayed promises can carry a significant cost.
