Nagpur witnessed a significant increase in voter turnout and awareness during this year’s Assembly elections. Unlike previous years, where many voters opted to reject candidates through the ‘None of the Above’ (NOTA) option, this time voters prioritized selecting the “best available” candidates.
In total, 8,122 voters in Nagpur used the NOTA option this year, marking a 48% drop compared to the 15,910 NOTA votes recorded in 2019. The trend suggests a growing emphasis on responsible voting, with voters urging political parties to field better and more capable candidates.
NOTA Usage Across Constituencies
Among Nagpur’s six constituencies, East Nagpur saw the highest use of NOTA, with 2,005 voters opting for it. South-West Nagpur followed closely with 1,992 NOTA votes, while 1,285 voters in South Nagpur pressed the NOTA button.
This year’s figures are a sharp contrast to earlier trends. In 2014, 6,148 voters in Nagpur chose NOTA, a number that surged to 15,910 in 2019. The decline in 2024 reflects a shift in voter behavior, with increased focus on participation rather than rejection.
A Call for Better Candidates
The NOTA option, available at the end of the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM), allows voters to reject all candidates if none are deemed suitable. While fewer voters used this option in 2024, the 8,122 who did so sent a clear message to political parties to prioritize nominating capable and credible candidates.
In East Nagpur, BJP candidate Krishna Khopde received the highest number of votes, while the constituency also recorded the city’s highest NOTA usage. The results highlight both the electorate’s active participation and their demand for quality representation.