New Delhi: Renowned Bollywood actor Pankaj Tripathi has decided to step down from his role as the National Icon of the Election Commission of India just ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Pankaj Tripathi was bestowed with the prestigious title of National Icon for the year 2022. The Election Commission has provided insights into the reason behind Pankaj’s decision to relinquish this role.
Taking to social media platform X, the Election Commission stated, “Acknowledging his role as a political leader in an upcoming film, actor Pankaj Tripathi has voluntarily stepped down as ECI National Icon as per terms of MoU. ECI expresses gratitude for his impactful contribution to voter awareness & SVEEP since Oct 2022”
Acknowledging his role as a political leader in an upcoming film, actor @PankajTripathi has voluntarily stepped down as #ECI National Icon as per terms of MoU.
— Spokesperson ECI (@SpokespersonECI) January 11, 2024
#ECI expresses gratitude for his impactful contribution to voter awareness & #SVEEP since Oct 2022 pic.twitter.com/83Ols8B9TY
The Election Commission’s statement makes it clear that Pankaj Tripathi’s departure from the position of the Election Commission’s brand ambassador is linked to his role in the upcoming film ‘Main Hoon Atal.’ In this film, Pankaj portrays the role of the former Prime Minister, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, under the direction of Ravi Jadhav.
‘Main Hoon Atal’ is scheduled for release on January 19, 2024. Pankaj Tripathi’s commitment to his cinematic endeavors has led to this amicable parting, marking the end of his association with the Election Commission as the National Icon.