RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat Urges Voters to Avoid NOTA in Nagpur Civic Elections
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat cast his vote early on Wednesday for the Nagpur Municipal Corporation elections. He spoke to media personnel immediately after exercising his franchise. Bhagwat delivered a strong message against using the None of the Above (NOTA) option on electronic voting machines.
Bhagwat's Warning on NOTA and the Risk of Anarchy
"NOTA means rejecting everyone," Bhagwat stated clearly. He explained that by choosing NOTA, citizens might inadvertently help an undesirable candidate win. "Although NOTA has been provided as an option considering citizens' dissatisfaction, even within that, one should look for the better person," he added.
Bhagwat connected this warning to a broader philosophical point about governance. He referenced ancient texts to underline his argument. "Anarchy is the worst situation of all," he cautioned. "It means the absence of a ruler, as stated in the Mahabharata by Bhishma. Having someone is better than having no one at all. From every perspective, that is important."
Voting as the Foremost Duty in a Democracy
The RSS chief placed immense emphasis on citizen participation in elections. He described voting as a fundamental responsibility. "In a democratic system, elections are an integral part of its structure, and therefore voting is also a duty of citizens," Bhagwat said.
He shared his personal approach to highlight its importance. "For me, voting is the first duty of the day, which is why I came early," he revealed. Bhagwat urged all eligible voters to follow this principle during every election cycle.
His call to action was direct and repeated. "People should come out and vote. The Election Commission says this, you (media) say this, I also say this," he told reporters.
The Context of Maharashtra's Civic Polls
Bhagwat's comments come as Maharashtra holds elections for 29 municipal corporations. These polls feature a fierce political contest. More than 15,000 candidates are competing for various positions across the state.
In Nagpur, the battle is particularly intense. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Indian National Congress are the main contenders. The BJP secured victory in the previous Nagpur Municipal Corporation election.
A Plea for Thoughtful and Active Participation
Beyond just casting a vote, Bhagwat stressed the need for careful consideration. He advised citizens to evaluate candidates with public interest in mind. "After thinking in a balanced manner and keeping public interest in mind, it is our duty to vote for the candidate who seems suitable," he said.
He concluded with an optimistic note about collective effort and inherent goodness. "The result will come when it has to come, but we must keep making efforts. One day or the other, the goodness within everyone will awaken," Bhagwat stated.
