X: @the_news_21
Bollywood icon Govinda made a significant foray into Maharashtra politics on Thursday as he officially joined Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena, injecting a dose of star power into the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in the state. Speculation is rife that Govinda may be nominated to contest from Mumbai North West, marking his return to politics after a hiatus.
Govinda’s Political Journey
In 2004, Govinda contested the Lok Sabha elections from Mumbai North on a Congress ticket and stunned the political arena by defeating BJP stalwart Ram Naik, earning himself the reputation of a giant-slayer. However, he later resigned from the party and took a break from politics altogether.
“I am joining Shiv Sena, and it is a blessing of God. I thought I would not enter politics again,” expressed Govinda upon his official induction into the party by Eknath Shinde. Reflecting on Mumbai under Shinde’s leadership, Govinda remarked that the city appears cleaner and improved.
Govinda’s Connection with Shiv Sena
Govinda highlighted his familial ties with Shiv Sena, stating that his parents shared a close relationship with the party’s founder, Balasaheb Thackeray. The actor’s decision to join Shiv Sena comes after speculation sparked following his recent meeting with Eknath Shinde and a subsequent visit by Sena leader Krishna Hedge to his residence in Juhu.
Eknath Shinde, while addressing the media, emphasized that Govinda’s entry into the party comes with no conditions or preconditions. However, when questioned about his potential candidacy in the Lok Sabha elections, Govinda remained tight-lipped, leaving the anticipation high among political observers and his fans alike.
“Govinda ji’s induction as a Star Pracharak of Shiv Sena is a warm welcome into our Party. Previously, he served as an MP from North Mumbai, demonstrating his prowess by defeating former Union Minister Shri Ram Naik ji.
Sunil Dutt Saab, another luminary, represented North West Mumbai as an MP. The film industry boasts several parliamentarians, including icons like Dilip Kumar Saab, Nargis ji, Dharmendra, Sunny Deol, Shatrughan Sinha, Vinod Khanna ji, Hema Malini ji, Shabana Azmi, Raj Babbar, Dara Singh, Amitabh Bachchan ji, and Jaya Bachchan ji. Notably, many of them resided in North West Mumbai.
Additionally, figures like Smriti Irani ji, Nitish Bhardwaj, and Arvind Trivedi ji have also made significant contributions. The legacy extends to Chief Ministers such as NTR ji, MGR ji, Jayalalita ji, and Karunanidhi Ji, underscoring the impactful role of film personalities in politics. Their exceptional service has benefited both their states and constituents,” said Krishna Hegde Ex-MLA Up Neta and Spokesperson: Shiv Sena”
