Deputy Prime Minister Lal Kishenchand Advani on Thursday said he favoured making voting compulsory in the country on the lines of Australia and Italy, where those not exercising their right to franchise are fined.
Addressing a public meeting in support of Bharatiya Janata Party candidate and MLA from Dewas, Tukoji Rao Pawar, he said: "In India people talk at length about parties, their policies and candidates, but at the time of voting they do not cast their vote...this is not a good for democracy."
Advani said like Australia and Italy and some other democratic countries, where those who do not cast their vote have to pay a fine, voting should be made mandatory in India too. "Though some people may oppose the idea, it will benefit
the country," he said.
"However, for now, I urge all the voters to exercise their right to franchise on December 1 in BJP's favour," the deputy prime minister said.
Advani said the President and the prime minister have set a goal of making India a developed nation, and to achieve that goal it is essential for the states to become developed, Advani said.