The Telangana Rashtra Samithi have expressed concern over the Election Commission of India's decision to print "None of the Above" (NOTA) option in pink colour in EVMs/ballot papers in the forthcoming assembly polls in five states.
Although the ECI said that the NOTA button will be in white colour in the next Parliamentary election, the TRS is worried that if pink colour continues in next elections, then it might spell doom for the party. Pink is the official colour of TRS and it has become synonymous to Telangana agitation.
TRS MLA K Tarakarama Rao said that the party would discuss the possible impact of pink colour of NOTA button and will also make a representation to the Election Commission, if required. The party wants to ensure that the pink colour is not used in next elections in Assembly and Parliament polls in Andhra Pradesh.
The TRS apparently fears that the pink colour might confuse the voters with NOTA button to be that of TRS party.
It may be mentioned that the NOTA button is being introduced for the first time in assembly elections for Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan and Mizoram wherein about 11 crore voters would have the option of not voting for any candidate in the fray for a particular seat. The NOTA has been introduced following the ruling of Supreme Court.
However, the Election Commission made it clear that the candidate securing the highest number of votes would be declared elected even if the number of voters excercising NOTA option surpasses the votes polled by the electoral contestants.