NOTA votes raises questions in Gujarat CM’s constituency

In Gujarat’s Ahmedabad, the recent local body election results have brought unexpected concerns for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). While the party secured victory, a significant number of NOTA (None of the Above) votes in Ghatlodia has become a topic of discussion. 

In Ward No. 7 of Ghatlodia, which falls under Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel’s constituency, as many as 695 voters chose NOTA. This has surprised many party workers, as such a high number is unusual in a strong BJP area.

According to local sources, the primary reason appears to be dissatisfaction among party workers and residents. Many people were unhappy because candidates from outside the ward were given tickets to contest. Local BJP workers, including women, reportedly felt ignored and expressed their anger by voting NOTA in the secret ballot.

Despite this issue, BJP candidates still won all the seats in the ward. Jagrutiben Pandya was elected from the Scheduled Caste Women’s seat with over 2,000 votes. Rinku Patel won from the General Women’s category, Mayur Gohil from the Backward Class reserved seat, and Pravinbhai Patel from the Unreserved seat.

Out of a total of 1,14,618 votes cast in Ward No. 7, the 695 NOTA votes stand out as a clear signal of internal dissatisfaction. Political observers believe this should be taken seriously by the party leadership, as it reflects the feelings of ground-level workers and voters.

This incident has now become an important point of discussion in local politics and may influence future decisions within the party.