NOTA loses ground as electors in Tamil Nadu lean towards new political alternatives

None of the Above (NOTA) does not appear to have emerged as a particularly strong choice for voters this time. While a few voters said they did opt for NOTA, there has been little chatter to suggest any broad or significant surge in its support.

R. Shyamala of Ayanavaram said she voted NOTA this time as she did not think any of the parties deserved her vote. “I did not like any of the parties,” she said. NOTA was introduced in India in 2013 after a landmark ruling by the Supreme Court. In its judgment, the apex court directed the Election Commission of India to include NOTA as an option on electronic voting machines, allowing voters to formally reject all candidates. It was first implemented in the Assembly elections held later that year.