Either vote or invite trouble, plans Modi govt

The Narendra Modi government in Gujarat has made a decision to bring into force an amendment bill during the forthcoming assembly session in the state, that would make it compulsory to vote during local body elections.

Once the bill gets the nod in the assembly, it would be obligatory for all residents to vote for the local body elections, including that of voting in municipal polls.

As per the rules laid down by the Gujarat Local Authorities Laws (Amendment Bill) 2009, any person who fails to cast his vote will have to give an explanation within a month or else appropriate action will be taken up against him.

The amended bill also states that in local body elections, 50 percent of the seats would be reserved for women. The decision has been taken to encourage voting among people belonging to the lower strata of the society, claims the government.