Pankaj Tripathi, a National Award-winning actor, has been named the Election Commission of India’s National Icon (ECI).
Tripathi has become a household name in India after an 18-year career in the industry. He is best known for his roles in films such as ‘Fukrey,’ ‘Masaan,’ ‘Bareilly Ki Barfi,’ ‘Stree,’ ‘Ludo,’ and ‘Mimi,’ among others. He also gained fame for his roles in web series such as ‘Mirzapur,’ ‘Sacred Games,’ and ‘Criminal Justice,’ among others.
Tripathi made his Bollywood debut in 2004 with ‘Run,’ a film starring Abhishek Bachchan and Bhumika Chawla.
The ECI made the announcement on Monday, according to Prasar Bharati. The actor confirmed in a 20-second video that he will finally take on the responsibilities of the National Icon after a few formalities are completed.
Thrilled with ECI’s decision, the actor took to Twitter to assure that he will discharge his duties with gratitude. Tripathi, dressed in a tailored blue suit, was joined by Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar at the launch of the ‘Voter Junction’ programme.
State icon become the national icon
Previously, the 46-year-old was Bihar’s State Icon. In addition, in collaboration with All India Radio, the ECI launched a radio series called “Matdata Junction” to raise voter awareness.
On the sidelines of the event, the ECI also announced the schedule for by-elections in six states. The by-elections for the seven vacant assembly seats will be held on November 3.
By elections will be held in two seats in Bihar, Mokama and Gopalganj in Maharashtra, Andheri (East) in Haryana, Munugode in Telangana, Gola Gorakhnath in Uttar Pradesh, and Dhamnagar in Odisha. The notification will be issued on Friday (October 7). The Election Commission said that an adequate number of EVMs and VVPAT machines have been made available and all steps have been taken to ensure that the polls are conducted smoothly with the help of these machines. The counting of votes will take place on November 6, the poll panel said in a statement.
