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Indore, the largest constituency in Madhya Pradesh in terms of voters, is set to vote in the fourth phase of the Lok Sabha elections on Monday. However, this election holds a unique significance as the Congress party, which has not won the seat in 35 years, will not even be fielding a candidate this time.
The reason behind this unprecedented move is the withdrawal of the Congress candidate, Akshay Kanti Bam, on the last day of nominations. Bam's decision sent shockwaves through the party as he subsequently joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the ruling party in both the state and at the Centre.
Jolted by this unexpected turn of events, the Congress has now launched a high-octane campaign urging voters to press the NOTA (None of the Above) button as a way to 'teach a lesson' to the BJP. The Congress' strategy is based on the belief that a significant number of NOTA votes will send a strong message of dissatisfaction with the BJP's alleged unfair tactics, which they claim led to Bam's defection.
The BJP, on the other hand, has dismissed the Congress' campaign as a 'negative tactic' and an 'attack on democracy.' The party's leaders have argued that NOTA is not a viable option as it does not lead to any change in the electoral outcome. They have also accused the Congress of trying to mislead voters and undermining the sanctity of the electoral process.
Despite the BJP's criticism, the Congress has intensified its NOTA campaign, with senior leaders urging voters to press theNOTA button to 'save democracy.' The party has also filed a complaint with the Election Commission against a BJP councilor who was caught on camera removing posters promoting NOTA.
The NOTA option was introduced in 2013 at the Supreme Court's directions. It allows voters to express their dissatisfaction with all the candidates contesting the elections. However, NOTA votes do not impact the polls in any way, and the Supreme Court is currently considering a petition seeking to declare an election void if the majority of voters choose NOTA.
The Congress' NOTA campaign has put the BJP on the defensive, with some party leaders acknowledging that the withdrawal of the Congress candidate was unfair. Former Lok Sabha speaker Sumitra Mahajan, who has won from Indore eight times, said that voters have a right to decide and that she understands why some people may be inclined to choose NOTA.
It remains to be seen whether the Congress' NOTA campaign will be successful in 'teaching the BJP a lesson.' However, it is clear that the party is determined to use all available means to challenge the BJP's dominance in Indore, even if it means resorting to unconventional tactics.
The outcome of the Indore Lok Sabha election will be closely watched as it could have implications for the broader political landscape in Madhya Pradesh and beyond. If the Congress manages to secure a significant number of NOTA votes, it could embolden the party to use similar tactics in other constituencies where it faces an uphill battle against the BJP.
On the other hand, if the BJP manages to overcome the NOTA challenge and retain the Indore seat, it will be seen as a major victory for the party and a setback for the Congress. It will also reinforce the BJP's position as the dominant political force in Madhya Pradesh.
Source: Betrayed By Indore Pick, Congress Bats For NOTA To "Teach BJP A Lesson"