Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar has been designated as the national icon of the Election Commission of India (ECI) to enhance voter engagement in the electoral process. A Memorandum of Understanding was formalized on Wednesday during a ceremony attended by Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, Election Commissioners Arun Chandra Pandey, and Arun Goel. Under the three-year agreement, Tendulkar will champion voter awareness.
The move comes ahead of Assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, and Mizoram this year, and the Lok Sabha elections next year. Deputy Election Commissioner Manoj Kumar Sahoo praised Tendulkar’s commitment and influence as a role model for millions, stating that his collaboration with the ECI would fortify democracy by promoting voter participation and bridging gaps, particularly among youth and urban populations.
The ECI aims to leverage Tendulkar’s impact to boost voter engagement, a strategy employed in the past with personalities like Pankaj Tripathi, M.S. Dhoni, Aamir Khan, and Mary Kom. Tendulkar, a Rajya Sabha MP, is celebrated for his cricket achievements and will play a significant role in bolstering civic engagement.