Aamir Khan, Virat Kohli likely to be EC's 'national icons'

"It is for the first time that there would be six national icons to boost voter participation," an official, who did not wish to be identified, told IANS.

He said the national icons were not only well-known people but had an appeal cutting across age groups.

"Over two crore (20 million) first-time voters will be eligible to exercise their right to franchise in this election. The number of young voters will also be large. The national icons have a special appeal among the youth," the official said.

Aamir, who has been pitching for better voter participation in his individual capacity, is now expected to do so on behalf of the poll panel.