RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat Casts Vote in Nagpur Civic Polls, Questions NOTA Option
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat cast his vote early on Thursday in the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) elections. He arrived at a polling booth in the Mahal area around 7.30 am to exercise his franchise. Bhagwat was among the first voters in the civic body polls.
Bhagwat's Stance on Voting and Democracy
Mohan Bhagwat emphasized that elections form a mandatory part of democracy. He stated voting is the responsibility of all citizens. The RSS chief appealed to electors to keep public interest in mind. He urged everyone to vote for a suitable candidate during the elections.
"Hence, today the first thing I did was to vote," Bhagwat told news agency PTI. He highlighted the importance of participating in the democratic process.
Criticism of the NOTA Option
Bhagwat specifically addressed the None of the Above (NOTA) option available to voters. He said choosing NOTA means you reject everyone. By doing so, voters indirectly promote a person who is not wanted.
"Nota means you reject everyone, and by doing so, we promote a person who is not wanted," the RSS chief explained. He acknowledged NOTA as an option for expressing displeasure. However, Bhagwat argued it is better to vote for someone than not have anyone at all.
Former RSS Leader Echoes Voting Importance
Former RSS general secretary and central committee member Bhaiyaji Joshi also voted early in the Nagpur polls. He stressed the importance of voting in elections. Joshi noted that in a democracy, governments are formed by the people's mandate.
This mandate is often expressed through elections where citizens vote for their representatives. "We want everyone should exercise their right to vote in a democracy," Joshi stated. He added that an elected government is expected to fulfil people's expectations.
Background on Previous NMC Elections
In the last Nagpur Municipal Corporation elections, BJP secured a strong majority. The party won 108 out of the total 151 seats. Congress managed to get 28 seats. BSP won 10 seats. Shiv Sena, then undivided, secured 2 seats. NCP, also undivided at the time, won 1 seat.
The current civic polls are crucial for all political parties. Early voting by prominent leaders like Bhagwat and Joshi sets a tone for voter participation. Their comments on NOTA add to ongoing debates about electoral reforms and voter choices in Indian democracy.
