Govinda begins second political innings with Shinde Sena; joins party in CM's presence

Bollywood veteran Govinda joined the Shiv Sena on Thursday, staging a political comeback after 15 years. But his new party boss CM Eknath Shinde said the former Congress MP from Mumbai North was unwilling to contest the Lok Sabha elections. The actor said he would work in the field of art and culture, with specific emphasis on the upgradation of state-controlled Film City to meet international standards.

Govinda's unwillingness to take an electoral plunge came as a dampener to his induction ceremony at Balasaheb Bhavan opposite Mantralaya, because his name has been in circulation for candidacy against the rival Sena's Amol Kirtikar in Mumbai North West. This particular segment has sensitised the city's politics because the Congress has accused the Thackeray Sena of usurping their legitimate claim.

IN PHOTOS: Bollywood actor Govinda joins CM Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena ahead of Lok Sabha elections 2024

4 weeks agoPHOTO GALLERY

Govinda with Shinde Sena's Milind Deora (left) and CM Eknath Shinde at Balasaheb Bhavan, Nariman Point on Thursday. Pic/Satej Shinde

Amid widespread disenchantment in the Congress, Sanjay Nirupam, who had finished second to the undivided Sena's Gajanan Kirtikar in 2019, threatened to quit the Congress on Wednesday. Shinde hasn't announced his candidate here yet, because it is not sure whether he gets it or the BJP walks away with it. This offers Nirupam options. The Shiv Sena announced eight candidates on Thursday, including the one who will contest Mumbai South Central, but the Mumbai North West aspirant's name was missing from the list.

When asked, the CM said Govinda had specifically rejected the idea of contesting polls. "Rather, he will ensure our candidates' victory because he will be our star campaigner," said Shinde. Govinda said he had thought of never returning to politics after his Lok Sabha tenure (as a Congress member from Mumbai North between 2004-09). "But see, it has happened in an unexpected way. I think it is Shivaji's [Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj] and Balasaheb's [Thackeray] blessings that I'm here in the Shiv Sena. My parents were friends with Balasaheb," he added.

According to Govinda, the Film City, the state-run facility for filmmakers, could become state-of-the-art and modern with the government's help. "Mumbai is more beautiful today because of the CM's beautification drive. I see development that wasn't there before. The city is growing as we had conceptualised," the actor said. Shinde said Govinda's unconditional induction would benefit the party in a great deal. "He hasn't come to us because of the elections. He doesn't want a ticket. He wants to work on the Film City project."

2009
Year Govinda was MP last

2019
Year Gajanan Kirtikar won Mumbai North West seat