Actor Sonu Sood, who has been praised for his philanthropic efforts amid the pandemic, on Friday said he has "voluntarily" stepped down as the "State Icon" of Punjab - a decision that he said was taken "mutually" by him and the Election Commission. The move comes ahead of the state elections.
"Like all good things, this journey has come to an end too. I've voluntarily stepped down as the state icon of Punjab. This decision was mutually taken by me and the EC (Election Commission) in light of my family member contesting in Punjab Assembly Elections. I wish them luck for future endeavours," Sonu Sood tweeted today.
Earlier this evening, the Election Commission had tweeted that it has withdrawn the 48-year-old actor's appointment.
Mr Sood, who is from Punjab's Moga district, was chosen as the "State icon" by the poll body last year.
In November, he had said that his sister, Malvika Sood, would contest the Punjab polls. But he was tight-lipped about the party.
The announcement came days after his meeting with Chief Minister Charanjeet Singh Channi.
Sonu Sood is also known for his association with Arvind Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi Party, a key challenger to the Congress government in Punjab.
Mr Kejriwal had last year declared Sonu Sood the brand ambassador for a "Desh ka Mentors" programme for school students.
The meeting with Mr Kejriwal had spurred rumours of a political debut for the actor.
Poll Body Gives Aggrieved Candidates Choice On How They Want To Check EVMs Actor Sonu Soods Visits Hyderabad's Famous Kumari Aunty Food Stall Sonu Sood's Power-Packed Pull-Ups Will Leave Your Arms Sore In The Best Kind Of Way 2,200 Jobs, 25,000 Aspirants: Air India Spot Sparks Stampede Scare In Mumbai 4 Top Leaders Quit Ajit Pawar's Party In Major Setback After Poll Drubbing Trump's Running Mate Calls UK "Truly Islamist State With Nuclear Weapons Delhi Doctors Report Rise In Hand, Foot, Mouth Disease In Children World Emoji Day 2024: Know Date, History And Significance BJP Huddle In UP Today To Review By-Election Preps After Big Poll Setback Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.