By: Express News ServiceJanuary 15, 2026 11:28 AM IST 2 min readHighlighting the role of elections in a democratic setup, Bhagwat said, “In a democratic system, elections are an integral part of its structure, and therefore voting is also a duty of citizens.” (Express Photo by Dhananjay Khedkar)Talking to the media after casting his vote in Nagpur for the Nagpur Municipal Corporation elections, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Wednesday cautioned against the use of the None of the Above (NOTA) voting option, urging people to “vote for the best available option” instead.“NOTA means rejecting everyone, and by doing that, we end up promoting someone undesirable,” Bhagwat said. “Although NOTA has been given as an option considering citizens’ dissatisfaction, even within that, one should look for the better person,” he added.Elections to 29 municipal corporations in Maharashtra are being held on Thursday, with more than 15,000 candidates in the fray. The Nagpur Municipal Corporation is witnessing a battle between the BJP and the Congress. The BJP had won the last civic election.Warning against the consequences of anarchy, Bhagwat said, “Anarchy is the worst situation of all. It means the absence of a ruler, as stated in the Mahabharata by Bhishma. Having someone is better than having no one at all. From every perspective, that is important.”Bhagwat also emphasised the importance of electoral participation, calling voting the foremost duty of citizens during elections. “Whenever there are elections, everyone should vote with that awareness. For me, voting is the first duty of the day, which is why I came early,” he added.Highlighting the role of elections in a democratic setup, Bhagwat said, “In a democratic system, elections are an integral part of its structure, and therefore voting is also a duty of citizens.”He further stressed the need for thoughtful voting, saying, “After thinking in a balanced manner and keeping public interest in mind, it is our duty to vote for the candidate who seems suitable. On that day, this becomes our foremost duty.”Story continues below this adCalling upon citizens to actively participate in the electoral process, Bhagwat said, “People should come out and vote. The Election Commission says this, you (media) say this, I also say this. The result will come when it has to come, but we must keep making efforts. One day or the other, the goodness within everyone will awaken.”Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd