NOTA to Be Available to MLAs During Rajya Sabha Polls in Gujarat

Congress leader Ahmed Patel questioned the introduction of NOTA, alleging that it was done “post notification”.

Image used for representational purpose. 

(Photo: Reuters)

The ‘None Of The Above’ (NOTA) option will be available to the MLAs who would cast vote in the 8 August Rajya Sabha election in Gujarat.

“As per the directions issued by the Election Commission of India in 2013, NOTA option will be printed on the ballot paper,” said the Secretary, Gujarat Assembly, DM Patel.

An election for Rajya Sabha is taking place after a long time and most MLAs in Gujarat would be exercising franchise for such election for the first time, he said.

Rajya Sabha polls are taking place after almost 20 years or more. So it will be a first time experience for most of the 182 MLAs.

DM Patel

In the past two decades, elections were not required as the candidates were elected unopposed, he said.

This time, four candidates are in the fray for three seats.

Apart from BJP president Amit Shah and Union minister Smriti Irani, the ruling party has decided to field Balwantsinh Rajput against the lone Congress candidate, Ahmed Patel.

Senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel on Tuesday kicked up a row after he questioned the introduction of NOTA, alleging that it was done “post notification”.

However, the poll panel maintained that use of NOTA in Rajya Sabha polls was not a new move as it was introduced in 2014 after the Supreme Court in 2013 made it mandatory to have the NOTA option in EVMs.

(With inputs from PTI.)

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