Raipur: In Chhattisgarh, where assembly elections are scheduled to take place in about a month, all eyes are on how prominently the public will utilize the “NOTA” (None of the Above) option. In the previous legislative assembly elections, voters heavily opted for “NOTA.” In the 2018 assembly elections, 282,738 people across the 90 legislative assembly constituencies chose the “NOTA” option. It is noteworthy that “NOTA” is often more frequently used in urban areas. In 2018, “NOTA” votes were highest in Dantewada (9,929), Chitrakoot (9,824), Samri (6,250), Pratappur (5,741), Bindranawagarh (5,515), Gundardehi (5,014), Sitapur (5,189), Pathalgaon (5,159), Rampur (4,609), and Patan (3,939). On the other hand, the lowest use of “NOTA” votes occurred in the Khallari general constituency, with only 499 such votes.
The Deputy Chief Election Officer, Nilesh Mahadevan Cheekhale, stated that efforts are made in every election to raise voter awareness. It is the responsibility of election officials to motivate voters to the polling centers. Voting is an individual’s special right, and they can use their discretion to cast their votes.
Chhattisgarh will hold elections in two phases, with voting taking place on November 7 and 17. The election results for all five states will be announced on December 3. The term of the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly, led by the Congress, is set to end on January 3, 2024. Out of 90 seats, 51 belong to the general category, while 10 seats are reserved for SC and 29 for ST candidates. The state has a total of 23 million voters.
Legislative Assembly Seats – 90, Lok Sabha Seats – 11, Rajya Sabha Seats – 5, Number of Polling Centers in the State – 24,109, Total Voters – 23,60,240. In 2018, the Congress won 68 seats, while the BJP secured 15, BSP 2, and JCC-J 5 seats. In 2008, voter turnout was more than 80 percent on 7 seats, with the BJP winning 2 and the Congress securing 5. In 2013, on 43 seats, voter turnout exceeded 80 percent, with the BJP winning 5, Congress 36, and others 2 seats. In 2018, on 40 seats, voter turnout exceeded 80 percent, with the BJP winning 4, Congress 34, and others 2 seats. The forthcoming elections will reveal whether “NOTA” remains a popular choice among Chhattisgarh voters.