Govinda had emerged as a "giant killer" in 2004 when, as the Congress candidate, he defeated BJP stalwart Ram Naik in the Mumbai North Lok Sabha seat

CM Shinde welcomed the 60-year-old actor into his party, saying he was a popular figure in all sections of society

Speaking on the occasion, Govinda, who started his acting career in the 1980s, said after his first stint in politics from 2004 to 2009, he never felt he would again come back to the same field

"I am back (in politics) after a 14-year-long 'vanvas' (exile)," he remarked

Govinda said he would work in the art and culture field if given a chance

Mumbai looks more beautiful and developed since Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde has become CM, he noted

"Govinda stands for progress. He is impressed with Modiji's development policies. He wants to do something for the welfare and progress of the film industry. I am sure he will be the link between the government and the film industry. He has joined us without any conditions," Shinde asserted