'Mirzapur' star Pankaj Tripathi becomes National Icon of Election Commission of India

National Award-winning actor Pankaj Tripathi has been named the National Icon of the Election Commission of India (ECI).

Having an 18-year-long career in the industry, Tripathi has become a household name in India. He is known for his brilliant performances in movies such as 'Fukrey', 'Masaan', 'Bareilly Ki Barfi', 'Stree', 'Ludo' and 'Mimi', among others. He also found popularity for his acting in web series like 'Mirzapur', 'Sacred Games', and 'Criminal Justice', among others.

Tripathi made his Bollywood debut in 2004 with Abhishek Bachchan and Bhumika Chawla-starrer 'Run'.


According to Prasar Bharati, the ECI announced on Monday. In a 20-second-long video, the actor confirmed that he will finally take up the responsibilities of the National Icon after completion of a few formalities.


Thrilled with ECI's decision, the actor took to Twitter to assure that he will discharge his duties with gratitude.


Dressed in a tailored blue suit, Tripathi was accompanied by Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar at the launch of the 'Voter Junction' program.

Before this, the 46-year-old was Bihar's State Icon.

The ECI also launched a radio series - 'Matdata Junction' - in collaboration with All India Radio for voter awareness.

On the sidelines of the event, the ECI also announced the schedule for by-elections across six states. The by-polls for the seven vacant assembly seats will be held on November 3.

Bypolls will be held on two seats - Mokama and Gopalganj - of Bihar, Andheri (East) of Maharashtra, Adampur of Haryana, Munugode of Telangana, Gola Gorakhnath of Uttar Pradesh, and Dhamnagar of Odisha. The notification for the same 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.