New Delhi, May 2: NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant on Wednesday made a strong pitch to make voting mandatory in the country. Amitabh Kant cited the example of Australia, where voting is compulsory and those who do not vote are liable to a fine or jail, and said he wants "compulsory voting" because rich and middle-class voters in cities don't exercise their democratic right.

"Australia too is in the midst of its federal elections. Voting is compulsory & those who do not vote are fined $20. In case of non payment you can be taken to court & liable to be jailed. Seeing d apathy of rich & middle class voters in urban cities of India this is worth a try (sic)," Kant tweeted. His remarks triggered a debate between former Chief Election Commissioner S Y Quraishi and him. Lok Sabha Elections 2019: Challenge of 'Growth with Jobs' Biggest Poll Issue, Says Amitabh Kant.

"No Mr Kant, your right to vote includes the right not to vote. In NOTA judgement, SC has made it clear that it is your fundament right, while right to vote is a statutory right. Think of millions of daily wagers who will be harassed for non voting," Quraishi explained. "In Australia, despite compulsory voting, 10% people still end up not voting. In India, 10% not voting would mean 9 crore court cases after every election! Lawyers would have a field day!" he pointed out.

Twitter interaction between Amitabh Kant and S Y Quraishi:

The NITI Aayog CEO then clarified that he wants voting to be made mandatory because rich and middle-class don't step out to vote. "My comment was with reference to urban cities & rich & upper middle class who are always critical but fail to exercise their statutory right (sic)," Kant said in another tweet. He also added that there were no pending cases in Australia related to non-casting of votes.

"In Australia they implement the rule firmly. People who do not vote are fined $20. In case of non payment courts can jail you. Non voters just pay up. Courts do not interfere & there is no pendency of cases (sic)," he said. Kant and Quraishi later agreed that those who don't cast voter should be named and shamed in public.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 02, 2019 02:41 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).