Election Commission set to rope in Aamir Khan as national icon for Lok Sabha polls

NEW DELHI: The Election Commission is likely to sign up film star and now host of popular TV show ' Satyamev Jayate', Aamir Khan, as its national icon next week. He will be part of EC's voter awareness initiatives for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, and is expected to feature in print and audio-visual campaigns aimed at educating people about the importance of choosing the right candidate.

Though EC had approached Khan earlier this year, it is only now that the terms of his association as a brand ambassador could be finalized . The arrangement will be purely voluntary and non-commercial.

Sources told TOI that Aamir Khan is expected to have a final meeting with the EC soon, followed by his announcement as the latest national icon for voter awareness by next week.

The cine star, known for his methodical approach to acting, will join the likes of former President A P J Abdul Kalam, ace cricketer M S Dhoni, tennis star Saina Nehwal and boxer Mary Kom, the existing national icons who have been helping EC enthuse voters to participate in elections.

Though the name of cricketer Virat Kohli was also doing the rounds as a possible sixth national icon, sources say he will continue to be a state icon for the Delhi state EC. "In any case, we already have a cricketer , Dhoni, on our list of national icons," said a senior EC functionary. Khan is currently in the news for hosting the second season of popular TV series, Satyamev Jayate , which highlights social issues.