The Congress in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, faced a stunning setback when its Lok Sabha candidate withdrew from the race at the last moment and then joined the rival Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). This betrayal left Congress strategists reeling, prompting them to resort to an unconventional tactic: advocating for NOTA (None of the Above) votes to make a statement against the BJP.The Indore constituency, renowned for being one of Madhya Pradeshs largest electorates, hasnt seen a Congress victory in 35 years, dating back to 1989. However, the current scenario marks a first for the party, as it couldnt even field a candidate this time. With the BJPs incumbent MP Shankar Lalwani vying for reelection and Congresss Akshay Kanti Bam quitting both the race and the party, the political landscape took a dramatic turn.Congresss NOTA pushAfter the rejection of their substitute candidates plea to contest the partys symbol by the High Court, Congress decided to rally behind the NOTA option vigorously. This move has reignited the political fervor in Indore, prompting a response from the BJP, whose campaign seemed to relax amid a perceived lack of competition from the 13 other candidates in the fray.What is state Congresss standJitu Patwari, the state Congress chief, made it clear that the party wouldnt endorse any remaining candidates and urged voters to register a record number of NOTA votes as a form of retribution against the BJP. The sentiment was echoed by senior Congress leader Sajjan Verma, who emphasized the need to safeguard democracy by utilizing the NOTA option.NOTA: A tool of dissentSince its inception in 2013, NOTA has served as a channel for voters to express discontent with all contesting candidates. Despite its symbolic value, NOTA votes dont influence the election outcome directly. However, a recent petition in the Supreme Court sought to change this by advocating for the annulment of elections in constituencies where NOTA secures the majority.BJPs counter-responseConcerned about the optics of a surge in NOTA votes, the BJP has criticized the Congresss campaign as negative and detrimental to democracy. Instances of BJP supporters removing posters advocating for NOTA have sparked tensions, with BJP leaders condemning the Congresss approach as divisive.What has Sumitra Mahajan saidVeteran BJP leader Sumitra Mahajan, who represented Indore in Parliament for eight terms, expressed disappointment over the Congress candidates withdrawal. While acknowledging voters right to choose, she stated the importance of supporting BJPs candidate Shankar Lalwani over NOTA, citing the partys commitment to its core principles under Prime Minister Narendra Modis leadership.
