Govinda Joins Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena Ahead Of Lok Sabha Polls

Mumbai: Bollywood actor Govinda has made a striking return to the political arena by joining Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena party. This move injects a dose of glamour into the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections in Maharashtra.

It’s expected that Govinda will be nominated to contest from the Mumbai North West constituency, marking his reentry into politics after a significant hiatus. Notably, Govinda previously contested the 2004 Lok Sabha elections from Mumbai North on a Congress ticket, clinching victory over BJP’s Ram Naik and earning the title of a “giant-slayer.” However, he later resigned from the party, stepping away from politics entirely.

Expressing his gratitude, Govinda remarked, “I am joining Shiv Sena, and it is a divine blessing. Initially, I had no plans to reenter politics.” His official induction into the party was conducted by Eknath Shinde, who has been instrumental in transforming Mumbai positively, according to Govinda’s observations. Highlighting his familial ties with Shiv Sena’s founding figure Balasaheb Thackeray, Govinda revealed that his parents had a close association with the party.

Speculations surrounding Govinda’s potential reentry into politics gained traction following his recent meeting with Eknath Shinde. On Thursday morning, Sena leader Krishna Hedge paid a visit to Govinda’s residence in Juhu, further fueling speculations.

While Govinda remained coy about his potential candidacy in the Lok Sabha elections, Eknath Shinde emphasized that the actor’s affiliation with the party carries no conditions or prerequisites.