Number of NOTA votes may increase this election in Karnataka: Experts

HUBBALLI: Despite colourful and attractive assurances by political parties and candidates, dissent is rising among voters and it is being expressed by opting for ‘None of the above’ (NOTA) option on voting machines.
An average of 1,500 Nota votes were polled in 15 constituencies of the state in the 2018 assembly polls. The number was more than the winning margin in five constituencies.Interestingly, all these five seats were in North Karnataka.
Despite the massive awareness campaigns, anger against the blame games by political parties may lead to the NOTA votes doubling.
FA Habib, board member, Samaj Parivartan Samudaya, Dharwad, noted that educated voters who are apolitical will prefer NOTA. “As the political dialogue has stooped very low, many senior voters are desperate, and they may opt for NOTA. It will have its own share,” he said.
IG Pulli, who was involved in the ‘Right to Reject’ campaign for a decade, said more NOTA votes are expected in urban areas, where people’s common life was thrown out of gear by public rallies and road shows. “Constituencies, having a greater number of rural votes, may get a weak response for NOTA, as rural voters are provoked on the grounds of religious sentiments, development, and individual benefit schemes. Overall the number of NOTA votes may increased by 15-20%,” he said.
Civic rights activist Dr MC Sindhur said 5,199 voters had opted for NOTA in Hubballi-Dharwad during the HDMC elections. “However, the number may go down as it is not effective currently. Seeing the political battle, people look firmer to support any party or candidate. Hence, NOTA percentage may go down compared to the total polling percentage, which is expected to increase after the high-decibel campaign and SVEEP activities of the election commission,” he said.