By Tajdar H Zaidi
Lucknow: In a significant move aimed at preserving the non-partisan nature of its initiatives, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has decided to remove Indian cricketer Rinku Singh from his role as brand ambassador for its ongoing voter awareness campaign.
The decision follows Singh’s recent engagement to Priya Saroj, a sitting Member of Parliament from the Samajwadi Party (SP), raising questions about perceived political affiliations.
The ECI’s campaign, which is meant to promote electoral participation in an impartial and apolitical manner, relies heavily on public figures who are viewed as politically neutral.
Rinku Singh, a rising cricket star known for his humility and connection with India’s youth, was earlier selected for his mass appeal and clean public image.
However, his engagement on June 8 to Priya Saroj, SP’s MP from Machhlishahr (Jaunpur), set off concerns within the Commission over the optics and implications of continuing with his endorsement.
The engagement ceremony was a high-profile affair, attended by top leaders of the SP, including party president Akhilesh Yadav, Dimple Yadav, Shivpal Yadav, Jaya Bachchan, and Ramgopal Yadav, among others.
This created a perception that Singh may now be closely associated with a political party—whether or not he is active in politics.
ECI’s Official Response and Action Plan
In light of these developments, the ECI issued instructions to all district election officers across Uttar Pradesh to remove Rinku Singh’s images and content from all forms of promotional materials linked to the voter awareness campaign. This includes:
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Banners and posters
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Television and digital advertisements
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Public service announcements
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Social media campaigns
A formal communication has been sent to local authorities to ensure full compliance.
“While we greatly appreciate Rinku Singh’s status as an admired athlete, the Election Commission cannot risk the integrity of its outreach campaigns,” an ECI spokesperson said. “We must ensure that there is no perception of political bias or influence.”
Public Reaction: A House Divided
The ECI’s decision has evoked a range of responses from the public. While many have lauded the Commission for upholding democratic norms and taking a principled stand on neutrality, others view the move as overly cautious.
Supporters of Rinku Singh have pointed out that personal relationships should not be equated with political endorsements, especially when the person in question has not made any political statements or affiliations.
Critics of the decision argue that removing a popular sportsperson—especially one admired by first-time and young voters—could weaken the campaign’s effectiveness, particularly in a state like Uttar Pradesh, where voter engagement remains a priority.
Some even questioned whether celebrity participation in civic campaigns should be subjected to such scrutiny, suggesting that clear guidelines are needed to avoid confusion and inconsistency in future appointments.
Silence from the Couple Amid Growing Speculation
As of now, neither Rinku Singh nor Priya Saroj has issued any official comment on the ECI’s move. However, speculation continues to swirl regarding whether this development could have any political ramifications, especially since Uttar Pradesh will be a key battleground in upcoming elections.
The Larger Picture: Striking a Balance Between Influence and Impartiality
This episode highlights the delicate balance the Election Commission must strike between leveraging the influence of public figures and ensuring that its campaigns remain completely detached from political affiliations.
With elections on the horizon, maintaining credibility and public trust in the electoral process is paramount.
Rinku Singh, who hails from Aligarh and has become a symbol of aspiration and perseverance through his cricketing journey, continues to enjoy immense popularity.
While this removal may be a setback to his involvement in civic outreach for now, many believe he could return in the future once the electoral environment stabilizes and the perception of political ties fades.
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