Why Record Number of NOTA Votes In AP?

The Araku Lok Sabha(ST Reserved) constituency has the highest number of NOTA votes in all of Andhra Pradesh. In fact, Araku has now recorded the second-highest number of NOTA votes in all of India in the recently held general election. Shockingly, over 50,000 NOTA votes were polled this year.

While illiteracy and lack of proper knowledge of the EVM polling process are cited to be two of the factors contributing to the sharp rise in NOTA, there are other social issues as well.

Even at a fast-forward day and age, certain agency regions in Araku are still struggling with no supply of electricity and basic amenities. In fact, several voters have to trek several hours to reach the polling booths on the day of the polling shows the kind of hassles the public goes through here.

Being a significantly backward Lok Sabha segment in AP, Araku recording the second-highest NOTA poll in all of India could be an indication that the locals are demanding better service from all the leading parties in AP.

The number of NOTA votes polled in other Lok Sabha segments across AP include Srikakulam (24,605), Vizianagaram (23,250), Eluru (22,515), Anakapalli (26,235), and Rajahmundry (24,435).