Gurdas Maan will sing a different tune. Appointed as the brand ambassador by the Election Commission, the much-acclaimed and the celebrated Punjabi crooner will soon find himself generating awareness on polls and need for its fair conduct.
With the aim to score a high on votes, the Election Commission has zeroed in on Maan as its brand ambassadors for Punjab considering his regional appeal among people of all ages, possibly to push up the turnout for the State Assembly polls scheduled for the next year.
“Gurdas Maan is one of such person in Punjab who is liked by all, from the elderly to the youth. He has such a mass appeal and is a role model for so many Punjabis,” Punjab’s senior Election Commission’s official told The Pioneer.
He said that the State Election authorities have been looking for someone who can sing in support of the Election Commission to pull in as many voters to the polling booth.
“We have considered so many people, but with comedians, singers, and artists, joining the political outfits, it has become difficult for us to select someone for this role. Maan has remained neutral over the years and has no political affiliations. Moreover, he is perfect for the role considering his regional appeal and ease of connecting with the every strata of people,” said the official.
For the 2012 Assembly polls, Punjab Election Authorities had roped in famous satirist, noted comedian and filmmaker Jaspal Bhatti as its brand ambassador. However, Bhatti died in a road accident in October in same year.
As the Election Commission is primarily focusing its campaign on the youngsters, especially the first-time voters, Maan expected to take the centre-stage in helping the youth not only to enroll themselves as voters nut also exercise their franchise.
“For Punjabis, he is a role model, and calling him as youth icon would not be an exaggeration. We are sure that he would help us in drawing in more and more youths to cast their vote,” the official said.
As election ambassador, Maan’s According to an official spokesperson, Maan’s main role will be to motivate the youth to get enrolled in voters list and do ethical voting.
He would also advise youth to vote without getting influenced by any undue inducement or intimidation.