The Election Commission of India (ECI) is all set to introduce National Award-winning actor Rajkummar Rao as its national icon, creating anticipation ahead of the upcoming assembly elections in five states slated for November, as well as the grand event of the 2024 General Elections. In an official ceremony on Thursday, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar will formally designate Rao as the National Icon, with the aim of igniting the passion of countless citizens nationwide and motivating their active involvement in the electoral process.
A Versatile Actor with a Noble On-Screen Quest
Rajkummar Rao, celebrated for his exceptional versatility in the film industry, garnered widespread acclaim for his portrayal of an upright government clerk in the Hindi film “Newton.” The character’s unwavering dedication to organizing a free and equitable election in the Maoist-affected regions of Chhattisgarh, while surmounting numerous challenges, was the film’s crowning achievement. His remarkable performance earned him numerous accolades, with “Newton” receiving the esteemed National Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi. Notably, the film also represented India in the Best Foreign Language Film category at the 90th Academy Awards.
Inspiring Millions: ECI’s Ongoing Efforts
The Election Commission’s decision to appoint Rajkummar Rao as a National Icon aligns with its continuous mission to inspire and engage voters in actively participating in the democratic process. The Election Commission has a history of acknowledging eminent individuals, including actors such as Pankaj Tripathi and Aamir Khan, along with celebrated sports figures like Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, and MC Mary Kom, as National Icons.
Countdown to the 2024 General Elections: A Democracy in Action
More than 161 million individuals poised to exercise their voting rights make the impending elections in the five states of significant importance.. The journey begins with Mizoram heading to the polls on November 7, followed by Chhattisgarh, where the elections for the 90-member assembly will unfold in two phases on November 7 and 17. Madhya Pradesh and Telangana follow, with elections scheduled for November 17 and 30, respectively, and Rajasthan, initially planned for November 23, now voting on November 25. The election results for all five states are set to be unveiled on December 3. These state assembly elections pave the way for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, making it an exciting countdown to democracy in action.