NEW DELHI: The Election Commission of India officially announced actor Rajkummar Rao as its ‘National Icon’ on Thursday to promote voter education and turnout.
The actor signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the poll body at Akashvani Bhawan in the national capital today.
“I strongly believe in democracy and the importance of voting. Because I have done a film called Newton. I have experienced how hard is for you to conduct elections”, Rao said referring to the film in which he essayed the character of a government official who is determined to conduct a free-and-fair election in the Naxal-affected areas of Chhattisgarh.
The movie won the National Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi and was also the country’s nomination for the Best Foreign Language Film category at the 90th Academy Awards also known popularly as the Oscars.
“Today, I stand in front of you with great responsibility as I assume the role of the National icon for the Election Commission of India. Today I take on a role that transcends the silver screen. I step into the shoes of a messenger. Our collective voice expressed through our votes has the power of participative democracy,” Rao said.
“The film industry has taught me the value of unity and diversity. A democracy thrives on diverse voices that come together to create a harmonious nation. Today I am standing here to promote the most important aspect of democracy which is voting,” Rao said.
The actor further emphasized on the importance of youth to exercise their franchise.
“I want to talk especially to students, I know you must be busy with your education, and social media scrolling up and down, but trust me the feeling you get when you cast your vote, is something you cannot experience anywhere else. The feeling of participating in forming a government, that is the best. I want to urge a request to all of you to please spread the message across that we have to go and vote. The power is in your hands,” Rao said.
Speaking at the event, Chief Election Commissioner of India, Rajiv Kumar said, “Once you become a judge in democracy by voting and in the electoral process, this passion will come in your actions also. You will understand the power of democracy.”
“Today, the participation of our women in voting is more than that of men. Certainly more in at least 20 states. You (Rajkummar Rao) have shot in the area of Chhattisgarh, where the people are very low on the Human Development Index. There are also a few vulnerable tribal groups, which are a total of 75 in the country. We have made a difference because this is part of making the entire electoral roll inclusive and participatory. We will include all the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG) as voters,” Kumar said.
The Chief Electoral Officer said that elections are scheduled in 5 states and the poll body has registered 100 per cent of voters in these states. “It is necessary for all young persons to immediately get into the habit of voting,” Rajiv Kumar said.
Meanwhile, the film ‘Newton’ where Kumar plays the role of a government clerk tasked with conducting a fair and free election in the naxal-hit area of Chhattisgarh was premiered in the forum section of the 67th Berlin International Film Festival.
The film also portrayed Pankaj Tripathi, Anjali Patil and Raghubir Yadav in prominent roles.
Five states- Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Telangana, Chhattisgarh and Mizoram- will go to polls on different days from November 7-30, while the counting of the votes in these five states is scheduled on December 3.
These elections will set the stage for the semi-final of the 2024 general election.
According to the Chief Election Commissioner, nearly 16 crore voters are eligible to vote in these elections. (ANI)