MAM
ECI ropes in Chhota Bheem for voter awareness in West Bengal
Animated icon to boost turnout in Howrah ahead of April polls.
MUMBAI: Chhota Bheem just swapped his gada for a voter card because when even cartoon heroes start campaigning, you know it’s time to get out and vote. The Election Commission of India has enlisted the popular animated character Chhota Bheem to enhance voter awareness and participation in Howrah district, West Bengal, as part of its Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) initiatives.
The campaign, themed Chunav Ka Parv, Paschim Bengal Ka Garv, aims to make the electoral process more inclusive, engaging and accessible, particularly for young and first-time voters. Polling for the West Bengal Legislative Assembly elections will be held in two phases on 23 and 29 April 2026, with vote counting scheduled for 4 May 2026.
A senior election official said, “Chhota Bheem, being a popular and friendly public awareness animation icon, will help in spreading voter awareness messages in a more engaging and relatable manner for families, children and first-time voters. He seems a good fit because he is one of India’s most loved and trusted characters with strong recall across age groups.”
Green Gold Animation founder & CEO Rajiv Chilaka added, “We are happy that the EC has decided to use our popular animation character in their awareness campaign. This is in line with the brand’s larger public interest associations, including collaborations across literacy, public safety, education and awareness initiatives with government and PSU-linked institutions.”
The initiative reflects a growing trend of using entertainment and popular icons to deliver civic messages effectively through digital platforms and on-ground engagement.
In a state where every vote counts and every hero inspires, the Election Commission has found the perfect sidekick: a fearless little warrior who already knows how to rally the masses, this time, not against demons, but for democracy.
Uniqlo’s UT graphic t‑shirt brand will release a collection in 2026 to mark the 30th anniversary of Pokémon. The designs will feature artwork in the original watercolour style from the first generation of the game. The items will be available from Monday, 23 March.
A special interview with actress Naomi Watanabe, a long‑time Pokémon fan, will be published on the Uniqlo website. The discussion covers her first experiences with Pokémon, her interest in the franchise, and her career as an international figure. The interview will also appear in UT Magazine, 2026 Spring Summer issue 13, which will be available from March at Uniqlo stores worldwide.
The collection features designs from the original Pokémon release, using the watercolour‑style artwork with its soft colours and hand‑drawn character. The lineup recalls the Pokémon familiar to older fans while introducing younger audiences to new interpretations. Five matching designs for adults and children are included, allowing coordinated outfits. The collection is intended to be worn as everyday clothing and is accessible across age groups.
Overview of Pokémon UT
- Launch date: 23 March 2026 (Monday)
- Product lineup: Men’s t‑shirts, five designs, Rs 1,490; Children’s t‑shirts, five designs, Rs 990
- Store availability: All Uniqlo stores in India, and the online store
