NOTA Impact: 67,000 Voters Reject Candidates in Punjab as Congress Clinches Victory

In Punjab's Lok Sabha elections, 67,158 voters chose the NOTA option, representing 0.49% of total votes. Congress secured a decisive win, capturing seven out of 13 seats. Key constituencies like Fatehgarh Sahib, Patiala, and Anandpur Sahib saw significant NOTA usage. The ruling AAP, BJP, and SAD were dealt significant defeats.

In a significant indicator of voter dissent, over 67,000 Punjab constituents opted for the None of the Above (NOTA) option during the recent Lok Sabha elections, where Congress emerged victorious, securing seven out of 13 seats.

According to Election Commission data, 67,158 voters, accounting for 0.49% of the total votes, chose NOTA. Fatehgarh Sahib saw the highest rejection with 9,188 NOTA votes, followed by Patiala and Anandpur Sahib with 6,681 and 6,402 votes, respectively.

The Congress's win marked a strategic setback for the ruling Aam Aadmi Party, which managed to secure only three seats. The BJP drew a blank, and the Shiromani Akali Dal, led by Sukhbir Singh Badal, clinched just one seat. Two independent candidates also recorded unexpected victories.