Posters ask non-Hindus to stay away from ghats; probe launched

Lucknow: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has withdrawn the appointment of actor Sonu Sood as the state icon of Punjab, a senior official said Friday. The poll panel had appointed him for the role in November 2020. According to the Chief Electoral Officer of Punjab S Karuna Raju, the decision was taken after taking notice of some media reports on actor’s recent meetings with political personalities. “To be the ECI’s state icon, we need a person who is apolitical and without any affiliation or association with any political party, its activities or politicians. So we recommended his removal as state icon, which the ECI has approved. I spoke to Sood and communicated to him. We also thanked him for the wonderful journey we had,” said Raju, adding that a written communication in this regard was sent to the actor. He said the appointment was withdrawn on January 4. –(PTI)