Introduction:
The provisional government in Russia was established after the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II in February 1917. However, it quickly lost popularity among various sections of society due to a combination of factors. Here, we will discuss the main reasons why the provisional government became unpopular in Russia.

Lack of Strong Leadership:
One of the key reasons for the provisional government's unpopularity was its lack of strong leadership. The government was formed by a group of liberal politicians, who were inexperienced and lacked the necessary skills to effectively address the country's problems. This resulted in a lack of direction and decisive decision-making, which frustrated the Russian people.

Failure to Address Land Reform:
Land reform was a major issue in Russia at the time, with the majority of the population being peasants. The provisional government failed to implement meaningful land reforms, which led to widespread discontent among the peasants. They were hoping for a redistribution of land, but instead, the government maintained the existing land ownership system, further exacerbating their grievances.

Continuation of the War:
Another significant factor that contributed to the provisional government's unpopularity was its decision to continue Russia's involvement in World War I. The war was highly unpopular among the Russian people due to its devastating impact on the economy and society. The government's decision to honor its commitments to the Allies and maintain Russia's participation in the war further alienated the population and fueled anti-government sentiments.

Inability to Address Economic Crisis:
Russia was facing a severe economic crisis during this period, with skyrocketing prices and food shortages. The provisional government struggled to effectively address these issues, leading to widespread discontent among the working class and urban population. The government's inability to improve the economic situation further eroded its popularity.

Competition with Petrograd Soviet:
The provisional government faced competition from the Petrograd Soviet, a council representing workers and soldiers. The Soviet challenged the authority of the provisional government and gained popularity by advocating for radical reforms and promising a better future for the people. This rivalry further weakened the position of the provisional government and contributed to its declining popularity.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, the provisional government in Russia became unpopular due to a combination of factors, including a lack of strong leadership, failure to address land reform and the economic crisis, continuation of the war, and competition with the Petrograd Soviet. These factors led to widespread discontent among various sections of society, ultimately paving the way for the Bolshevik Revolution in October 1917.