Actor Sonu Sood who was appointed as Punjab’s State Icon by the Election Commission of India (ECI) has voluntarily stepped down from the post after holding the position for over a year. He clarified that his sister will be contesting in the Punjab elections and he is just abiding by the principles of Election Commission.Sood said, “It is not possible, or right. It was conveyed to me that I can no longer be sending a message that everyone has to come and vote because someone from my family is contesting. I think it is fine.” He added “For the past two years, I was doing my bit as the State Icon of Punjab, spreading the message on how important it is to vote, help the state rebuild. Now, since my sister from my family is contesting in the Punjab elections, I can’t be the icon.” Sood maintains that this decision doesn’t mean an end to his responsibilities and duties towards the public. He said, “And now, when I have stepped down, I think I have more responsibility on my shoulders, that I have to do more… To spread the message (of rebuilding), and motivate people to come forward and do their bit (for the state).” According to him, it is important for every individual to come forward and do their best to help build a state, as he put, “everyone has to take that responsibility on their shoulders”. “I have learnt that the real power lies in the hands of a common man. Punjab really needs a lot of improvement, whether we talk about medical facilities that the state needs, or the education. We have arranged for many surgeries, but got to know that people don’t have money to even get the test done. That’s the level of poverty,” he said, adding, “Only the common man can unite and spread the message, and stress on how important it is to give the state what it deserves”. Garnering praises for his extraordinary philanthropy and humanitarian work since the outbreak of COVID-19, Sonu Sood has turned out to be a 'messiah' for many. Leaving no stone unturned to help as many people as possible, the film 'Dabangg' actor is doing everything he can, right from providing medical aid to launching initiatives for free education to underprivileged children.