Modi's campaign has focused on fighting corruption, seen by many in the country as the source of many of their problems, and replicating the economic success he enjoyed as chief minister of Gujarat, which many voters in Uttar Pradesh openly envy.

That, combined with fatigue at 10 years of Congress rule, economic stagnation and the ruling party's weak response so far to Modi's vigorous campaign, has made him the early favourite to replace Manmohan Singh as india #39;s leader.

"Things are going so badly," said Ravi Kumar Yadav, 25, a farmer, who until recently supported one of Uttar Pradesh's main regional parties but now backs the BJP.

"You can't get anything done without paying a bribe, and the price for everything has gone through the roof "