Ending his years-long departure from active politics, Bollywood actor Govinda on Thursday joined the Shiv Sena in Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s presence in Mumbai. Govinda last served as an MP from the Mumbai North constituency from 2004-2009.
After joining the Shiv Sena, Govinda said it was a coincidence that he was away from politics for 14 years. The development comes amid speculation that Govinda may contest the Lok Sabha elections.
“I was in politics from 2004 to 2009 in the 14th Lok Sabha. It is an amazing coincidence that I have returned to politics after a gap of 14 years,” he said. Govinda emerged victorious from the Mumbai North seat by a margin of over 50,000 votes. He had contested on a Congress ticket then.
However, Govinda faced criticism for his continued absence from Parliament and eventually resigned as an MP before the completion of his term. He said his decision was meant to allow him to focus on his acting career.
Reacting to his induction into the Shiv Sena, party leader Milind Deora said, “I have known Govinda for almost 25 years. In 2004, we both fought elections together. My late father had brought him to Congress… He is a man with a clean heart, and he wants to represent the creative industry and the cultural capital of the country, Mumbai.”