Sat Jan 25 18:50:51 UTC 2025: ## Kerala Governor Urges Voters to Shun NOTA Option

**Thiruvananthapuram, January 25, 2025** – Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar has urged citizens to refrain from using the None of the Above (NOTA) option during elections, calling it undemocratic and unproductive. Speaking at the state-level National Voters’ Day celebrations, he stated his opposition to NOTA, hoping Keralites would not utilize it in future elections.

While acknowledging NOTA’s existence as per a Supreme Court mandate (2013), the Governor described choosing NOTA as shirking responsibility. He encouraged voters to select a candidate, emphasizing the importance of participation in electing a government. He cited Kerala’s relatively low voter turnout in the last Lok Sabha elections (72.04%), contrasting it with the state’s 100% literacy rate, and stressed the need for improved voter education.

Arlekar also expressed confidence in the foolproof nature of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), dismissing allegations to the contrary. He set an ambitious goal of 100% voter turnout for future elections in Kerala. The event also saw the launch of a new cloud-based file management system and the distribution of awards. Chief Electoral Officer Rathan Kelkar, State Election Commissioner A. Shajahan, and Chief Secretary Sarada Muraleedharan were also present.

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