Sowjanya Action Committee begins NOTA campaign across Dakshina Kannada

Sowjanya Action Committee begins NOTA campaign across Dakshina Kannada

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, April 7, 2024: The Sowjanya Nyayapara Horata Samiti, along with the Rashtriya Hindu Jagaran Vedike and Prajaprabhutva Vedike, have collectively launched a NOTA (None Of The Above) campaign in the Dakshina Kannada Lok Sabha constituency. This initiative stems from the ongoing demand for justice for Sowjanya, who tragically fell victim to sexual assault and murder in 2012. Leaders of these organizations emphasize urging voters to use the NOTA option during the upcoming election to convey a powerful message to all political entities.

Girish Mattannavar, the convenor of the Samiti, addressed reporters, stating that after considering input from activists and Sowjanya’s family, they resolved to initiate the NOTA campaign for the election. He highlighted that Mahesh Shetty Thimarody, the president of Prajaprabhutva Vedike, kickstarted the NOTA campaign recently, pointing out that the Election Commission of India (ECI) has sanctioned the NOTA option in accordance with Supreme Court guidelines.

Mattannavar elucidated the significance of the NOTA option, asserting that it grants voters the right to reject all candidates if they find none satisfactory. He clarified that the objective isn’t to denounce any specific political party but to underscore the lack of response from major parties regarding justice for Sowjanya. Consequently, they’ve opted for the NOTA campaign during this Lok Sabha election to draw statewide attention to the issue.

Moreover, the campaign aims to implore the judiciary to treat all reported sexual assault cases in the state with utmost seriousness. Mattannavar urged those concerned about women’s safety to endorse the NOTA campaign. He also announced an upcoming NOTA awareness campaign meeting scheduled for April 24 in Sullia.

Prasanna Ravi, Thammanna Shetty and Jayan were present at the press meet.