The Aryavarth Express
Agency (Indore, Madhya Pradesh): In an unprecedented move, the Madhya Pradesh Congress has called on voters in Indore to opt for ‘NOTA’ (None of the Above) in the Lok Sabha elections after their candidate, Akshya Kanti Bam, withdrew his nomination and joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The decision was made during a meeting in Indore, where Congress leaders resolved to campaign for NOTA as a protest against what they describe as undemocratic tactics by the BJP.
Congress leader Sajjan Singh Verma expressed strong disapproval of Bam’s defection, accusing the BJP of undermining democracy and coercing their candidate to switch sides. “Indore is known for justice, but BJP has redefined injustice here,” Verma stated, emphasizing the need for Indore to set a national example by voting for NOTA to “re-establish democracy.”
Shobha Oza, another Congress leader, echoed Verma’s sentiments, alleging that the BJP’s intimidation tactics led to the withdrawal of Bam’s nomination, thereby disenfranchising the voters of Indore. She stated, “Public feel cheated and in such a situation there is no option other than NOTA.”
The Congress campaign aims to achieve a record number of NOTA votes in the constituency as a sign of protest and to send a message against what they view as political manipulation. Indore will participate in the fourth phase of the Lok Sabha elections on May 13, alongside seven other constituencies in the state. The incumbent MP from the BJP, Shankar Lalwani, is seeking re-election.
