Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, affectionately known as the ‘Master Blaster’, is set to be designated as the “national icon” of the Election Commission of India (ECI) as part of efforts to encourage higher voter participation in the upcoming electoral processes. This initiative aims to leverage Tendulkar’s immense popularity, especially among the youth, to enhance awareness about the importance of voting in maintaining a robust democracy.
An official memorandum of understanding (MoU) will be signed between Tendulkar and the Election Commission represented by Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, and election commissioners Anup Chandra Pandey and Arun Goel. The agreement outlines Tendulkar’s role in promoting voter knowledge and awareness over the span of three years. His involvement is expected to play a crucial role in countering challenges related to voter apathy and hesitancy, particularly among urban and youth demographics.
This collaboration is particularly significant in the lead-up to the 2024 general elections (Lok Sabha), as Tendulkar’s influence is anticipated to bolster youth engagement and participation in the electoral process. The Election Commission has a history of enlisting prominent figures from diverse fields as “national icons” to motivate voters, with figures such as former Indian cricket captain MS Dhoni, actor Aamir Khan, and Olympic medalist Mary Kom previously taking on this role.
Sachin Tendulkar’s previous engagement with the Rajya Sabha, where he held a nominated seat from 2012 to 2018, was marked by criticism from political analysts due to his low attendance rate of only 8% during his term. He abstained from parliamentary debates and posed just 22 questions throughout his six-year tenure. However, he effectively utilized his MPLADS fund for various charitable causes, including flood relief efforts, school rebuilding projects, and the construction of public facilities. Additionally, he participated in the Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana by adopting a village in Andhra Pradesh for development.