Feeling miserable due to apathy of government towards their plight state capital displaced groups want to express their unhappiness towards the candidates contesting in the upcoming general election but lack of awareness on the latest changes in the electoral system is restraining them to register their dislike for the candidates.
Election Commission for the first time is providing ‘None of the above’ (NOTA) option for the general elections below the name of the last candidate in the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) for the voters who do not wish for any of the candidate in the fray in their constituency.
Nagababa Khatal displaced Soni Kumari showing her rage against the government fake promise of rehabilitation said, “All politicians are the same. At the time of election they show their empathy on us and later turn a deaf ear. I will vote for the candidate who will ensure me home on paper else with not go to the polling station.”
Interestingly, when Soni was enquired about the NOTA option introduced on the EVMs and ballot papers she drew a blank. Surprisingly asked, “What is thatIJ We illiterates are not aware about it.”
Unawareness has come in the way of NOTA as the most deprived and aggrieved section of the society are not going to press the button despite years of disregards. “How we will come to know about any change in the EVMIJ We do not know to read and write. In my eye there is no deserving candidate who can fulfill our long-pending demand but still has to vote. I will vote for the candidate who will be able to influence me,” added Islam Nagar displaced Noor jahan Khatoon.
However, the members of Association for Democratic Reforms India (ADRI) who with the help of Election Commission conducting voter awareness campaign across the state has also stated illiteracy to be the major hurdle in the way of NOTA popularity.
ADRI Spokesperson Dilip Kumar said, “We are through street plays and songs parody are trying to popularize NOTA in urban as well as rural areas but to no avail. large section of the society especially the weaker section of the society due of lack of education is still not acquainted with it.” He further added, “We are trying to make NOTA popular but for this election it seems to be difficult.”