How Govinda's Political Comeback Will Boost Mahayuti's Prospects

Mumbai: After over a decade he resigned from the Congress party, Bollywood actor Govinda made a political comeback by joining Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena ahead of Lok Sabha polls 2024.  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 Shinde has become CM”, he noted. 

Reacting to Govinda's political comeback, Rajya Sabha MP 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."

Boost to Mahayuti Ahead of Lok Sabha Polls

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. Speculations are rife that Govinda will be fielded by Sena-BJP from Mumbai North-West seat in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena (UBT) has fielded Amol Kirtikar, son of MP Gajanan Kirtikar from the seat. 

After the announcement, Kirtikar was summoned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with the alleged irregularities in the distribution of 'khichdi' to migrants during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Maharashta Congress leadership has opposed Shiv Sena's decision to announce candidates unilaterally, thus weakening the prospects of Maha Vikas Aghadi. 

Govinda's Political Comeback 

If he joins the Shinde Sena, this would be Govinda's second stint in politics. Earlier, fighting on a Congress ticket, Govinda had defeated veteran BJP leader Ram Naik from the Mumbai North Lok Sabha seat in 2004.

The Congress had picked up Govinda to defeat Ram Naik, who was gradually converting Mumbai North into a BJP's bastion despite reluctance from the regional leadership. However, the actor quit the Congress.