Voters in the State’s provisional state capital Dehradun have mixed opinion about None Of The Above (NOTA) option. Some voters state that NOTA is a powerful expression of disagreement with the parties contesting for power. On the other hand, some voters believe that using this option is a waste of vote.
This correspondent asked various voters about their opinions and the importance of NOTA for them.
The voters had a mixed opinion regarding the use and importance of NOTA.
While some opined that the option provides the power to their opinion of candidates, others stated that NOTA is a waste of vote because in any condition one political party is going to be in power. Rather than using NOTA one should choose the best among the contesting candidates, they said.
College student Jyoti Rautela said, “I think NOTA gives us the power to express the opinion that any of the candidates fielded by any political party is not worthy of getting elected to office. It is of major importance which gives us the power to tell the truth as we see it.”
Another vote, Rahul Patwal opined, “In my opinion, NOTA is an opportunity to show my disappointment towards political parties or the candidate getting nominated to contest the poll.
I strongly disagree with the opinion that it amounts to wating a vote because it is our right. Also, NOTA should be taken seriously by the election machinery and the political parties as it is not just a ‘no’ but an expression that means more work and development is needed in our country.”
Parul said, “I think NOTA gives me the power to say that I don’t find potential in any of the candidates contesting in the election. I think it is very important that the real value of the NOTA option is taken seriously by the political parties. This should be considered as pressure by the parties to grow more and develop more like a party and govern the country in a better way.”
Rajendra Singh a shopkeeper said, “I think NOTA is a waste of vote. You vote for any party or not, one political party and their candidates will be elected. The party that secures maximum votes in the elections will be elected to office. It is better to choose the best party and vote for it so that the better option is elected to office,” he opined.
Anshu Khetan said, “I think NOTA is a waste of a precisious vote. I agree with the point that this option expresses the disappointment of the voters with the political parties.
However, in any case, one political party will be elected. Everyone should analyse before deciding to vote like researching about past manifesto of the party in power and whether they were able to fulfill their promises or not, achievements of the party and other aspects. If anyone is voting for a candidate then voters can research more about work done by the leader who has filed nomination in the elections.”