NOTA Breaks Records in Indore Amid Congress' Unique Strategy

In Indore, the NOTA (None of the Above) option has received over 1.7 lakh votes, breaking previous records as Congress urged voters to choose it. This unprecedented number surpasses the highest NOTA votes recorded in Bihar's Gopalganj in 2019. The Congress was absent from the poll race for the first time in 72 years.

In a groundbreaking electoral strategy, the NOTA (None of the Above) option has garnered more than 1.7 lakh votes in Indore, following an appeal from Congress leaders. This figure shatters previous records, including the 2019 high in Gopalganj, Bihar. The NOTA votes have outpaced all other candidates except BJP's Shankar Lalwani.

Ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Congress' Akshay Kanti Bam withdrew his candidacy and joined the BJP, prompting Congress to encourage voters to reject all candidates by selecting NOTA. This is the first time Congress has been absent from the race in Indore in its 72-year history.

Voting was held on May 13, with 61.75% of the 25.27 lakh eligible voters participating, as reported by the Election Commission. The NOTA option, introduced in 2013 per a Supreme Court ruling, offers voters the power to reject all candidates in their constituency.