RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat Casts Vote in Nagpur Municipal Elections

On Thursday, RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat participated in the Nagpur Municipal Corporation elections, highlighting the importance of voting and selecting qualified candidates. He urged citizens to engage actively in the democratic process and expressed concerns about the NOTA option, which he believes inadvertently supports undesirable candidates. Alongside him, Bhaiyaji Joshi also emphasized the significance of voting in a democracy. The elections are crucial, with the BJP previously winning a majority of seats. As voting continues across 29 municipal bodies in the state, Bhagwat's call for civic responsibility resonates strongly.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 15, 2026, 10:45 IST

Mohan Bhagwat Participates in Nagpur Elections

Mohan Bhagwat, the chief of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), exercised his voting rights early Thursday morning during the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) elections. He was among the first voters at the polling station.

After casting his vote, Bhagwat emphasized the significance of active participation in the democratic process and the importance of selecting the right candidates. He stated that opting for the 'None of the Above' (NOTA) option indirectly supports undesirable candidates.

Bhagwat arrived at a polling center in the Mahal area of Nagpur around 7:30 AM to fulfill his civic duty. Speaking to reporters afterward, he remarked that voting is a crucial aspect of democracy, making it the responsibility of every citizen.

He urged voters to consider the public interest and choose qualified candidates during elections. Bhagwat expressed, 'Thus, my first task today was to cast my vote.' Regarding the NOTA option, he explained, 'Choosing NOTA means rejecting everyone, which inadvertently promotes someone no one wants.'

He acknowledged that while NOTA allows individuals to express dissent, it is preferable to vote for someone rather than abstaining entirely. Bhaiyaji Joshi, a former RSS general secretary and member of the central committee, also voted early and highlighted the importance of participating in elections.

Joshi stated that governments in a democracy are formed based on mandates expressed through elections, where citizens vote for their representatives. He emphasized, 'We want everyone to exercise their voting rights in a democracy, as elected governments are expected to meet the public's expectations.'

In the previous Nagpur Municipal Corporation elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured 108 out of 151 seats, while Congress won 28, the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) claimed 10, Shiv Sena (then undivided) won 2, and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) took 1 seat. Voting is currently underway for 29 municipal bodies across the state.