Mohan Bhagwat cautions voters against NOTA: 'Vote for best available option'

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat. (File Image)

• RSS chief Bhagwat urges voters to avoid NOTA, choose the best candidate
• Bhagwat warns that NOTA could lead to election of undesirable representatives
• He emphasizes voting as a civic duty and urges high voter turnout for democracy

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Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Wednesday cautioned voters against using the None of the Above (NOTA) option, arguing that rejecting all candidates could ultimately pave the way for the election of an "undesirable" representative.

Speaking to the media after casting his vote in Nagpur for the Nagpur Municipal Corporation elections, Bhagwat urged citizens to exercise discernment and vote for the "best available option" rather than opting out through NOTA.

"NOTA means rejecting everyone, and by doing that, we end up promoting someone undesirable," Bhagwat said. "Although NOTA has been given as an option considering citizens' dissatisfaction, even within that, one should look for the better person."

Elections to 29 municipal corporations across Maharashtra are being held on Thursday, with more than 15,000 candidates in the fray. In Nagpur, the civic contest is primarily between the BJP and the Congress, with the BJP having won the last municipal election.

Warning against political instability, Bhagwat said that rejecting all options could lead to disorder. "Anarchy is the worst situation of all. 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," he said.

The RSS chief also underlined the importance of voter participation, describing voting as the foremost civic duty during elections. "Whenever there are elections, everyone should vote with that awareness. For me, voting is the first duty of the day, which is why I came early," he said after casting his vote.

Highlighting the role of elections in a democratic system, Bhagwat said voting was not merely a right but a responsibility. "In a democratic setup, elections are an integral part of its structure, and therefore voting is also a duty of citizens."

Calling for thoughtful decision-making, he added that voters must keep public interest in mind while choosing their representatives. "After thinking in a balanced manner and keeping public interest in mind, it is our duty to vote for the candidate who seems suitable. On that day, this becomes our foremost duty."

Urging citizens to turn out in large numbers, Bhagwat said consistent participation was key to strengthening democracy. "People should come out and vote. The Election Commission says this, you say this, I also say this. 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."