Disappointed, human rights advocates launch the NOTA movement, says Hyd Lok Sabha

‘Frustrated’ are representatives of civil society organizations that were hoping for a ‘change’ in the Hyderabad seat and thought a formidable candidate from the India bloc would be introduced. People who thought the race would be on the development theme are upset amid reported scandals involving the BJP and AIMIM candidates.

Considering that fewer than 45% of voters in the constituency cast ballots in 2019, a few of them advocated for NOTA as a voting option while also calling for a rise in the voting percentage. Activists advised using the NOTA button in lieu of not voting this time to express displeasure for all the candidates.

The NOTA movement is gradually gaining traction on social media, with supporters pointing out that none of the main political parties are currently discussing the issue. “Vote for NOTA to demonstrate that we oppose community politics. We anticipated that secularism and communalism would compete in these elections in Hyderabad. However, secular parties were prevented from running for office in the Hyderabad seat by communal forces, according to a WhatsApp message that has gone viral.

Activists who attended talks with AICC chief executive Deepa Dasmunshi endorse this, since they had thought the Congress would field a formidable candidate or someone from the INDIA group. “It seems like Hyderabad’s political parties have all made plans. Now that the BJP and AIMIM are attempting to divide voters in Hyderabad and inflame ethnic tensions, the scenario is quite clearer. Even prominent figures like Amjedullah Khan refrained from submitting nominations for Hyderabad, and Feroz Khan made it apparent that the Congress was siding with AIMIM. It has been decided to run for NOTA because we think no one is qualified to represent Hyderabad,” a social activist who attended Congress meetings as part of outreach stated.

Safder Sayed In support of the NOTA, Ali Moosvi of the Forum for Old City Youth—who has been bemoaning the state of things in the Hyderabad constituency—cited the fact that voters had “no option.” “The voting participation in Hyderabad has remained low among its constituents. People who would like to stay away from politics, in my opinion, need to participate and use their right to vote. They may hit the button to voice their disapproval since ECI has provided the NOTA option. According to social media influencer Safder, “Historically, re-election was also conducted in some places based on NOTA votes.”

The young person, who also attracted media attention during the Assembly votes, questioned why elections in the world’s biggest democracy are fought on social problems rather than actual issues. “I’m disappointed; I had thought that Hyderabad would at least have elections on the development plank this time. No one would gain from the polarization, Safder said.