DU students share their ‘mann ki baat’ on NOTA

For the first time, Delhi University will be introducing NOTA option in the upcoming Students’ Union elections. We asked the students from different colleges for their views on this additional voting option.

Come September, the colleges of Delhi University, every year, witness the big hustle and bustle that comes along with the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU ) elections. Aspiring candidates have already started wooing the students in DU campuses. But amid the active election campaigning , the introduction of NOTA (None of the above) option has emerged as the most heated topic of discussion.

Students feel that the newly introduced NOTA option will not make much difference in Delhi University Students’ Union election this year. (Saumya Khandelwal/HT Photo)

HT spoke to some of the students and here’s what they have to say:

Abhinav Jain, Shivaji College says he has often to skip elections rather than vote for someone less worthy.

Abhinav Jain, Shivaji College

These so-called student netas are not interested in our welfare at all. I have always preferred to skip the elections instead of voting for anyone less worthy. With NOTA, I can cast my vote without feeling guilty of voting in favour of a wrong candidate.

Shivani Panwar, Aditi Mahavidyalya isn’t very impressed with NOTA.

Shivani Panwar, Aditi Mahavidyalya
NOTA is useless and a total waste. Even if the NOTA option gets a majority of votes, the candidate getting second-highest votes will automatically win the elections, may be with a lesser margin. Then what is the point of introducing NOTA?

Ishita Kukreja, Motilal Nehru College too feels NOTA won’t change DU politics.

Ishita Kukreja, Motilal Nehru College
The NOTA option will not bring much change in the DU politics. The system will continue to have the same loopholes and candidates. They will still indulge in show off of money. Personally, I will opt to stay at home and enjoy the day as a holiday instead of being part of this funny political set-up.

Read: DU’s Karate Kid aspires to represent India at next Olympics

Sahil Verma, Satyawati College says NOTA will help voters like him speak his mind.

Sahil Verma, Satyawati College
To me, NOTA option is great for DUSU elections. Party workers come, shout some slogans for their candidate and then disappear. Some of the candidates don’t even bother to interact with us. We get to know their names from the posters and social media updates only. NOTA will help us speak our mind.

Read: DU campus littered with posters as student union elections near

Rishab Baisoya, Dyal Singh College feels NOTA is no good.

Rishab Baisoya, Dyal Singh College
Practically, NOTA option is useless. Instead of running away from responsibility, we should learn to choose the right candidate. So, it’s better do a little research and then choose the best candidate from all those who are contesting.