Mohan Bhagwat Casts Vote in Nagpur, Cites Mahabharata While Urging Caution on NOTA

Nagpur: Dr. Mohan Bhagwat, chief of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), exercised his democratic right to vote in the Nagpur municipal elections on Thursday morning. Speaking after casting his vote, Bhagwat highlighted the importance of voting and urged citizens to choose capable candidates. He also raised concerns about the use of NOTA (None of the Above) in elections.

Voting in Maharashtra’s 29 municipal corporations began at 7:30 AM, with Bhagwat being among the first to cast his ballot in Nagpur. Speaking to the media, he described voting as the day’s “first responsibility” and stressed the pivotal role of elections in a democratic system. He urged voters to make balanced and welfare-oriented choices while selecting candidates.

Questions on NOTA
When asked about NOTA, Bhagwat acknowledged that it allows citizens to express dissatisfaction with candidates. However, he referred to Bhishma from the Mahabharata, warning that choosing NOTA could inadvertently benefit candidates who may not be the best choice, describing it as a form of disorder.

Appeal to Voters
Bhagwat encouraged the public to vote for the most deserving candidate rather than abstain. “While NOTA is a way to express dissatisfaction, not voting at all can indirectly empower an unworthy candidate. Just as Bhishma opposed chaos, it is better to cast your vote for the candidate you find most suitable,” he said. He emphasized that voting should be constructive, aimed at supporting the right candidate rather than merely opposing someone.

Nagpur Municipal Corporation has been under BJP control for an extended period, making these elections closely watched. Bhagwat’s appeal underscores the significance of active participation in the democratic process.