All Jains must vote in BMC elections: Sadhu

In a meeting held with members of the Jain community, Naypadmasagar Maharajsaheb who is said to be among the most politically active sadhus in the community stated that it is compulsory for all Jains to vote in the upcoming BMC elections to be held in 2017. The meeting was held at the Jain Temple in Gowalia Tank area.

Naypadmasagar who is in the city till BMC elections held a meeting with members of the Jain community on Thursday night when the decision was taken. "In our meeting it was decided that all Jains should compulsorily vote during the elections. Not voting is like Dharma Droh (against righteousness) and Desh Droh (against country)," said Naypadmasagar.

The sadhu said that there are 19 lakh eligible Jain voters from 6.1 lakh families. Naypadmasagar who is founder of the Jain International Organization (JIO) that runs several community based initiatives has earlier thrown his weight behind political leaders during elections (read Jains) so that the community should vote for them. These have been people who his critics say are "cronies" and mainly from BJP.

However, in the meet it was decided that "good" candidates from all political parties should be voted for. When asked if voters can vote anyone including none-of-the-above (NOTA) option, Naypadmagasar said, "It is their choice but they should go out and vote. Our theme is Swach Mumbai Samrudh Mumbai."

Sadhus like Naypadmasagar have been of the opinion that Jains are under represented in politics and hence their say does not carry as much weight in the decision making process. The community wants Jain candidates from different parties in the fray.