LS polls: NOTA finishes third in Vadodara race

, May 16: In the high-profile battle in Vadodara seat, from where BJP's prime ministerial candidate

contested against Congress' Madhusudan Mistry, the newly introduced None of The Above option sprang a surprise.

Around 18053 people used Nota option in Vadodara. Modi got 845464 votes and Mistry got 275336 votes.

The Nota was introduced in last September by Supreme Court of India which upheld the right of voters to reject all candidates contesting the elections. The apex court said Nota is a step towards cleansing the political system of the country.

According to the Election Commission website, more than 3,82,6000 people used Nota in 16th Lok Sabha elections.

The apex court directed the Election Commission to have an option of 'None Of The Above' (NOTA) on the electronic voting machines (EVMs) and ballot papers.

Nota was first used in the assembly elections held in five states last year. More than 15 lakh people exercised the option in the states polls.

Oneindia News