Latest news with #NOTA
Hans India
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Vikram Prabhu's ‘Love Marriage' set for June 27 release
Director Shanmuga Priyan's debut romantic comedy Love Marriage, starring Vikram Prabhu and Sushmitha Bhat, is set to hit theatres worldwide on June 27. The film promises to be a feel-good family entertainer, brimming with love, laughter, and familial bonds. The announcement was made by Assure Films, one of the producers of the project, on social media platform X. The post read, 'Feel-Good Family Entertainer #LoveMarriage releasing in theatres worldwide on JUNE 27th. A celebration of love, laughter, family and everything in between. Directed by @Director_Priyan. A @RSeanRoldan musical.' Love Marriage revolves around a 33-year-old bachelor who finally decides to settle down, leading to a series of humorous and heartwarming events as his family arranges a match. Director Shanmuga Priyan explained in an earlier interview with IANS that the film delves not just into late marriages but also explores the dynamic relationships between two families brought together by matrimony. The film features a strong supporting cast including Meenakshi Dinesh, Ramesh Thilak, Aruldoss, Gajaraj, Muruganantham, and Kodangi Vadivelu. Veteran actor Sathyaraj will also make a special cameo appearance. Having previously worked with directors Anand Shankar (NOTA, Enemy) and Ra. Karthik (Nitham Oru Vaanam), Priyan steps into the spotlight with his directorial debut. Set in a vibrant rural backdrop, the film's music is composed by popular Tamil composer Sean Roldan. Madhan Christopher handles the cinematography, Bharath Vikraman is in charge of editing, and M. Murali oversees production design. Produced by Rise East Entertainment in collaboration with Assure Films, Love Marriage is gearing up to deliver a wholesome cinematic experience for audiences of all ages this June.
Indian Express
04-05-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
As NOTA comes under question, numbers show its diminishing preference among voters
In the Supreme Court, during a hearing on a plea challenging the Constitutional validity of uncontested elections, the Election Commission (EC) said that NOTA – the 'none of the above' option available to voters on Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) – is a 'failed idea'. 'It is creating no impact on the elections. It may be a case where some candidates get less than NOTA, but the winning candidates are never impacted by it,' Senior Advocate Rakesh Dwivedi, appearing for the EC, told the Supreme Court on April 25. The NOTA option was introduced in 2013 by a Supreme Court directive based on a 2004 public interest litigation filed by the People's Union for Civil Liberties. The option sits last after names of all the candidates in an election, and has its own symbol, of a ballot paper with a black cross on it on EVMs. In late 2013, five Assembly elections – in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Delhi and Mizoram – were the first to see NOTA as an option. The 2014 Lok Sabha elections were the first at a national level with NOTA in operation. The Supreme Court had hoped that a NOTA vote would 'encourage political participation' and also persuade parties to consider their candidate choices more carefully. 'Negative voting will lead to a systemic change in polls and political parties will be forced to project clean candidates. If the right to vote is a statutory right, then the right to reject a candidate is a fundamental right of speech and expression under the Constitution,' said the Bench led by then Chief Justice of India P Sathasivam, which gave the order. However, critics feel NOTA hasn't resulted in 'systemic' changes, owing to its inherent features. NOTA votes do not contribute towards the result as there is no provision for re-polling if NOTA gets the most votes in a constituency. In March 2021, the Supreme Court issued notices to the Centre and the EC on a petition seeking that election results be nullified and fresh polls held if NOTA secures maximum votes. However, NOTA and the provisions on it remain unchanged. NOTA in Lok Sabha polls In its 2014 Lok Sabha election debut, NOTA polled 60.03 lakh votes, accounting for 1.1% of the overall vote shares. In 2019, the number of NOTA votes rose to 65.23 lakh, but its vote share fell to 1.07%. By 2024, even the number of NOTA votes dropped, to 63.72 lakh or 1% of the vote share. Since 2014, the highest vote share for NOTA was recorded in 2024 in the Indore Lok Sabha constituency at 13.99%, making it the second-highest vote getter in the seat, which was won by the BJP. In Indore, Madhya Pradesh's most populous constituency, the Congress candidate had withdrawn at the last minute, leaving the party without a nominee. Rather than back one of the 14 remaining candidates, the Congress launched an aggressive campaign asking voters to choose NOTA and teach the BJP 'a lesson'. Besides Indore, there have been just two instances of NOTA crossing the 5% vote-share mark – Chhattisgarh's Naxal-impacted Bastar in 2014 and Bihar's Scheduled Caste-reserved Gopalganj in 2019, both at 5.04%. NOTA has played a considerable role in Bastar – in each of the last three Lok Sabha polls, NOTA polled the third highest votes behind the Congress and BJP candidates. In this seat, even notable parties like the BSP and CPI received fewer votes than NOTA. It's a similar story in Gopalganj, where NOTA placed third in 2019 and 2024, and fourth in 2014. Notably, even the Dalit-oriented BSP was unable to outdo NOTA in the SC-reserved seat. In fact, NOTA has exceeded 1% of the vote share in a seat in 709 instances since 2014; in the remaining 918 instances, NOTA failed to cross even 1% of the vote share. On average, each seat has polled 11,609 NOTA votes since 2014. In 2014, the first Narendra Modi wave election, the average was 11,055 votes, going up to 12,017 in 2019 (when Modi-led BJP returned to power with a even bigger majority) before dropping to 11,756 in 2024 (when the Congress put up its best performance in three general elections). In 2014, Puducherry saw NOTA get the highest vote share at 3.01%, followed by Meghalaya at 2.8%. That year, 20 states and UTs saw NOTA clear the 1% vote-share mark. In 2019, Bihar had the highest NOTA vote share at 2%, with 17 states and UTs seeing NOTA's vote share cross 1%. In 2024, Bihar again topped the country at 2.07% NOTA vote share, followed by Dadra and Nagar Haveli at 2.06%. However, just 13 states and UTs recorded a NOTA vote share above 1% in 2024. There is also a correlation between the number of candidates and NOTA's vote share. Across the last three Lok Sabha polls, the seats with more candidates tended to see NOTA receive relatively fewer votes than in seats with fewer candidates. In seats that had more than 20 candidates, there was a marked drop-off in the number of NOTA votes, compared to seats with less than 20 candidates. [TABLE: State-wise highest NOTA vote share in Lok Sabha polls] Where NOTA made a difference Over the last three Lok Sabha elections, NOTA has polled more votes than the winning margin – an indication of the option's potential to swing an election outcome – on 64 occasions since 2014. In 2014, there were 23 such seats, with the highest in Karnataka and Odisha at three each. In 2019, there were 25 seats where NOTA votes exceeded the margin, with Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal recording four seats each. In 2024, the number of such seats fell to 16, with Uttar Pradesh topping the list at six. Just five seats have seen NOTA votes exceed the winning margin more than once – Chhattisgarh's Kanker, Jharkhand's Lohardaga, Odisha's Koraput and Nabarangpur, and West Bengal's Arambagh. NOTA in Assembly polls To date, in all state Assembly elections since NOTA was introduced in 2013, the option has received a total 1.73 crore votes, accounting for just 1.12% of the vote share. In its debut year in 2013, NOTA was available in five Assembly elections, garnering a combined vote share of 1.96%. NOTA's vote share peaked in 2015 – when only Delhi and Bihar went to polls – at 2.09%. Since then, though, NOTA's vote share has been on a gradual decline, falling to 0.9% in 2023 and 2024, when eight states held Assembly polls in each year. In the most recent Assembly poll, in Delhi earlier this year, with the BJP seen in a tight contest with the AAP, NOTA accounted for just 0.57% of the vote share. Between 2013 and 2025, NOTA's vote share was below 1% in six years. [CHART: Year-wise NOTA vote share in Assembly polls]Of the 76 Assembly elections held since NOTA's introduction, the option has received more than 1% of the overall vote share in 37 polls – the highest was recorded in Chhattisgarh in 2013 at 3.07%, followed by Bihar in 2015 at 2.48%. At the individual seat level, there have been only three instances when NOTA's vote share crossed 10% – in 2019, Maharashtra's Latur Rural seat saw 13.78% of the vote go to NOTA, followed by the western state's Gadchiroli in 2014 at 10.8%, and Chhattisgarh's Bijapur in 2013 at 10.15%. In the 2019 Assembly contest for Latur Rural, NOTA was the second-highest vote-getter behind the Congress's Dhiraj Deshmukh, the son of former Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh. Deshmukh was up against a candidate from the then undivided Shiv Sena, which was allied with the BJP. However, BJP workers in the seat were unhappy that the constituency was assigned to the Sena in seat-sharing talks. A district poll official said there were protests by BJP workers and pamphlets were also found urging voters to choose NOTA. There have been 42 instances of NOTA crossing the 5% vote-share threshold, 4,244 cases of NOTA hovering between 1% and 5%, and 5,617 instances of NOTA failing to cross 1%. [TABLE: State-wise highest NOTA vote share in Assembly polls]There are, however, 601 instances of NOTA polling more votes than the winning margin. Madhya Pradesh has had the most such cases at 68, followed by Bihar at 51, Rajasthan at 43, Maharashtra at 41, and West Bengal at 39. Among these states, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra have each held three Assembly elections in the period since NOTA was introduced, while states like Bihar and West Bengal have held only two Assembly polls each. However, in a vast majority of elections, specifically in 9,302 cases, NOTA votes did not exceed the margin, and thus had little impact on the ultimate outcome. There are at least 38 seats where NOTA votes have exceeded the winning margin in two separate elections. While there is no clear correlation between tightly contested elections – that is, seats where the winning margins are small – and the number of NOTA votes, the general trend is that low NOTA vote shares are often accompanied by low margins of victory. Despite the popular perception that high NOTA votes could lead to tighter contests, data shows that even when NOTA's vote share is high, it does not necessarily impact the competitiveness of an election.
Time of India
25-04-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Morning news wrap: Houses of two local terrorists involved in Pahalgam terror attack demolished, search operation launched in Bandipora; and more
Representative Image Several critical developments unfolded across geopolitics, national security, and sports- from demolishing the local terrorists' houses and the Jal Shakti ministry giving a befitting reply to Pakistan to an encounter that broke out in Bandipora. Meanwhile, the Election Commission informed the Supreme Court that the NOTA option has been largely ineffective and RCB's first Chinnaswamy win of IPL 2025. Houses of local terrorists, involved in Pahalgam terror attack, demolished The Jammu and Kashmir administration demolished the houses of two local terrorists Adil Thokar and Asif Shaikh allegedly linked to the Pahalgam attack that killed 26. Thokar legally traveled to Pakistan in 2018, where he reportedly received terror training before returning covertly. Intelligence sources indicate he acted as a guide and logistics coordinator for Pakistani terrorists involved in the attack, prompting the government's action against his property. Read full story by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Google Brain Co-Founder Andrew Ng, Recommends: Read These 5 Books And Turn Your Life Around Blinkist: Andrew Ng's Reading List Undo Encounter breaks out between terrorists & security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Bandipora A gunfight erupted between terrorists and security forces in the Kulnar Bazipora area of Bandipora district, Jammu and Kashmir, on Friday. The encounter began after security forces launched a search operation based on intelligence inputs about terrorist presence. The operation escalated when the militants opened fire. Follow live updates India writes to Pakistan, says suspending Indus Waters Treaty with immediate effect, cites cross-border terrorism India has formally notified Pakistan that the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 will be held in abeyance with immediate effect, following Pakistan's warning that any water diversion would be an "act of war." Citing persistent cross-border terrorism and Pakistan's refusal to engage in treaty-mandated negotiations, India stated that security concerns have hindered its treaty rights. The decision marks a significant escalation in India-Pakistan tensions over water sharing and regional stability. Read full story NOTA a 'failed idea', EC and Centre tell Supreme Court The Election Commission and Centre told the Supreme Court that the 2013 mandate introducing the NOTA (None of the Above) option has failed to impact elections meaningfully, as very few voters use it. Opposing a PIL seeking elections even with a single candidate to gauge support against NOTA, they argued uncontested polls are extremely rare. The Supreme Court suggested deliberations on setting a minimum vote threshold for winning candidates through parliamentary discussion. Read full story Royal Challengers Bengaluru defeats Rajasthan Royals by eleven runs, first victory at Chinnaswamy Stadium Royal Challengers Bengaluru thrilled home fans with an 11-run win over Rajasthan Royals in IPL Match 42 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Virat Kohli ended his home drought with a stunning 42-ball 70, blending composure with bursts of aggression. Supported by Padikkal's 50 off 27 balls and late cameos from Tim David and Jitesh Sharma, RCB posted a strong 205/5 after a nervy start, sealing a much-needed victory. Read full story
Time of India
25-04-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
NOTA 'failed idea', never got a fraction of total votes, says EC
EC NEW DELHI: Election Commission and the Centre Thursday told Supreme Court that SC's 2013 mandate to provide the option of NOTA to voters had turned out to be a "failed idea" and that it was preposterous for a PIL to insist on conducting polls even in the rare instance of there being only a single candidate in the fray to know whether she/he secures more votes than NOTA. Appearing for EC, advocate Rakesh Dwivedi told SC, "NOTA... never impacted any election as a minuscule of voters exercised this option. Every winning candidate got far higher votes than NOTA." Attorney general R Venkataramani, with additional solicitor general S D Sanjay, said govt concurred with EC. The bench of Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh said, "Can the Union govt and EC deliberate on prescribing a minimum vote percentage benchmark for winning candidates?" 'Uncontested polls now rare': EC urges SC to junk NGO plea Govt may think of constituting an expert body comprising parliamentarians and domain experts to discuss this issue. Since our Constitution provides for a democracy by majority, is it not desirable that the winning candi-date secures a threshold vote percentage, which would be fixed by Parliament," the bench said. Venkataramani said this issue was deliberated upon at length by EC which gave a report on 'one nation one poll'. The recommendations were debated by parliamentarians and there were divergent views, he said. Justice Kant said this may be a hypothetical issue - a single candidate in the fray may secure less votes than Nota in case an election was held instead of declaring that candidate elected unopposed. In its affidavit, EC said a candidate getting elected unopposed from a Lok Sabha constituency was very rare. Since 1991, there was only a single such instance of a candidate getting elected to Lok Sabha unopposed, Dwivedi said. "Since 1971 till today, that is in the last 54 years, there have been six uncontested elections in total. In the 20 general elections since 1951, there have been only nine uncontested elections," he added. Responding to the PIL by NGO 'Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy' seeking conduct of election even when there was only a single candidate in the fray, EC said, "With the evolution of democracy, a greater number of political parties are contesting elections and, hence, the number of candidates also increases automatically, and voters have become more aware and eager to exercise their right to vote. "The chance of the election being uncontested has become a rarity which is proven from statistical data and, hence, in such a scenario, SC ought not to entertain the present petition." Nota option is there only when there is an election, EC said, adding, "Hence, treating Nota as a mandatorily contesting candidate in all direct uncontested elections does not find place in the statute and the same would require legislative amendments in the provisions of Representation of the People Act, 1951, and the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961."
Indian Express
24-04-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Consider mandating minimum vote share even for unopposed candidate: Supreme Court to Centre
The Supreme Court on Thursday sought to know whether it can be laid down in the election law to mandate a certain percentage of votes even when there is only one candidate in the fray for declaring him/her elected. 'Will it not be a very welcome and progressive step where only one candidate is left in free [fray] and still you say that you will be declared election [elected] only when you get at least 10%, 15% (votes), whatever…,' Justice Surya Kant presiding over a two-judge bench asked the Centre and the Election Commission of India. 'Our Constitution, and we salute it, is one of the most dynamic… It says that democracy by majority… So when we talk of the majority as the foundation stone of the democracy, why not in furtherance of achieving that very goal, we prescribe that even in a default direction, there should be at least some voters who are liking you,' Justice Kant said. The bench, also comprising Justice N K Singh, was hearing a plea by 'Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy', praying that section 53(2) of The Representation of the People Act, 1951, in so far as it applies to direct elections to Lok Sabha and state assemblies be read down or struck down as unconstitutional. The provision says that in case of an uncontested election, the Election Commission shall declare the only existing candidate as the winner forthwith without holding an election. Appearing for the think tank, Senior Advocate Arvind Datar referred to a hypothetical situation where 3-4 candidates file nominations from a constituency and all except one withdraw on the last day. He said if there are 1 lakh voters in the constituency of whom 10,000 want to vote for the candidate but 25,000 people want to vote NOTA, should they be not entitled to do so? Contesting his submission, Senior Advocate Rakesh Dwivedi said that in the last 25 years, there's only one case where an election was uncontested. 'Otherwise it's always contested'. Datar said he is only flagging the potential danger because there can be situations where a candidate may get others to withdraw so that he or she emerges victorious. Justice Kant said that even treating it academically, 'it will be a very good reform… It's not something that should cause any inconvenience to anyone.' Justice Kant said, 'NOTA you have accepted, after the judgment of this court, as expressing the will by a voter. But here, you are in fact helpless… so are the voters. This situation may arise, may not arise. But in case, if you have a proposal like this that where eventually more than one candidate files nomination and at the last moment, the other candidates would go and there is only one candidate left, then at least say you can say…10%, 15%, 25 % voters will be required to vote for it.' Dwivedi said that the NOTA judgement was convenient to implement, adding, 'that's a larger reform where even in general elections, one may say unless you get 50% of the electorate, you can't win. That's a larger question which Parliament will have to engage in.' Justice Kant said, 'You may be right to say that you are governed by the parliamentary law…We are only saying today you please examine… because after all our democratic system has addressed every challenge and every Indian feels proud of that.' The judge said, 'today you don't have a problem. But you can enact something visualising that if tomorrow this problem comes, I have a weapon ready to address it. That's all. What can be that, it's your wisdom, if Parliament will decide…Why should we allow somebody to enter Parliament by default who is unable to get even 5% vote? You may think of that because you are representing the will of the people.' Justice Kant said it will also ensure that the entire constituency will be better represented and promote multi-party culture. Dwivedi said that 'according to our experience, NOTA is a failed idea. It is creating no impact on the elections. It may be a case where some candidates get less than NOTA, but the winning candidates are never impacted by it.' Appearing for the Centre, Attorney General R Venkataramani said he agreed with Dwividi's submissions and said: 'If something is desirable then the court will look at the point of desirability but you can't strike down a law for that reason.' Justice Surya Kant said the court is not thinking of striking down anything but only adding a proviso. 'We are not considering striking down anything. We are only impressing upon you to add something in the existing law.' The AG said that 'even on that it has to be some deliberations elsewhere…' The Court agreed that more deliberations would be necessary and gave the Centre four weeks to file its response. The SC will hear the matter again in July this year.
