Though included for the first time for the 16th Lok Sabha elections, the ‘None of the Above’ option (NOTA) had more takers in the Madurai Parliamentary constituency.
NOTA votes counted 19,765, a substantial number for a constituency that has been a hotbed of politics and saw a six-cornered contest. “Of late, there is an aversion among the youth towards politicians in the wake of adverse media reports about them. NOTA has been the choice of many young and educated voters who did not have any empathy with any of the candidates,” said C.J. Rajan, head of Samam Kudimakkal Iyakkam.
The number of NOTA votes polled in the constituency has come as a surprise despite the fact that there were 31 candidates in the fray, including an array of independent candidates. Many city-based activists have deemed NOTA wave as a positive trend since people are responsible enough not to let their franchise go waste.
“While it is evident that NOTA has been considered a right alternative, it should be taken as a message that the voters want to improve the standards of politics and the candidates who are contesting,” Mr. Rajan added.
Highest in SouthThe Madurai constituency has also recorded the highest number of NOTA votes among the southern districts. While Virudhunagar recorded 12,225 NOTA votes, Dindigul and Tirunelveli registered 10,591 votes and 12,893 votes respectively. Tenkasi recorded 14,492 NOTA votes and the other districts such as Ramanathapuram, Sivaganga and Theni recorded 10,000 to 15,000 NOTA votes.
Salai Selvam, an activist from the city, deemed it as a positive step.
“The number of NOTA votes polled in the city indicates the presence and the space available for alternative political movements to exist. While voters used to “follow the herd” till NOTA was introduced, the fact that a few could think differently is a welcome step,” she said.
