Sonu Sood steps down as Punjab's 'State Icon' ahead of Assembly polls

Ahead of the 2022 Assembly elections, Bollywood actor Sonu Sood on Friday has "voluntarily" stepped down as the "State Icon" of Punjab.

Known for his philanthropic efforts amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Sood shared that the decision was taken "mutually" by him and the Election Commission.

This move comes ahead of the state elections.

He took to his Twitter handle and wrote, "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 EC in light of my family member contesting in Punjab Assembly Elections. I wish them luck for future endeavours."

Earlier today, the Election Commission had announced on Twitter that it has withdrawn the 48-year-old actor's appointment as Punjab's state icon.