Advani pitches for mandatory voting - Times of India

GANDHINAGAR: Former deputy prime minister and six time BJP MP from Gandhinagar constituency L K Advani on Sunday once again pushed the idea of compulsory voting in the country.

While addressing a gathering of voters and BJP workers at a private club in Ahmedabad, Advani said that the right of voting should be withdrawn from those who do not vote.

He said that he has written a letter to the Election Commission of India in this regard. He also said that the political parties should get grants from the government. He said that the new central government led by BJP will bring the compulsory voting bill. He said Italy has a law to punish those who remain absent from voting.

Advani said the nation should have a law for compulsory voting. "One who fails to vote shouldn't be given a chance to vote in the next election," he said.

Advani praised Gujarat government for passing a bill on compulsory voting twice. The bill could not become law due to Governor's objection.

Advani is scheduled to hold a road show in Ahmedabad's Ghatlodia assembly seat area. Ghatlodia is represented in assembly by BJP minister Anandiben Patel. It is part of the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha seat.

Regarding his age (86) Advani said he does not feel old. Quoting great Gandhinan Vinoba Bhave he said, "I am not old yet and ready to learn new things."