Govinda may run against Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate Amol Kirtikar from the North-West Mumbai seat on the Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) ticket.
Bollywood star Govinda joined the Shiv Sena, led by Eknath Shinde, in the presence of the Maharashtra Chief Minister in Mumbai on Thursday, ahead of the key Lok Sabha elections. According to sources who spoke with India Today, Govinda may run against Shiv Sena (UBT) nominee Amol Kirtikar for the Lok Sabha seat of North-West Mumbai.
The seasoned actor declared, “I was in politics from 2004 to 2009, and that was the 14th Lok Sabha,” after joining Sena. The fact that I have returned to politics after a 14-year hiatus is an incredible coincidence.”
Govinda met Chief Minister Shinde earlier in the day, and at Balasaheb Bhavan, he later joined Sena. Jayant Patil, the leader of the NCP (Sharad Pawar), mocked Shinde by stating, “He (Govinda) is not a popular actor.” A well-known actor would have been a better choice for Eknath Shinde. He ought to have chosen a capable performer. I believe that Eknath Shinde is not a movie watcher. He would be aware of the superior performer if he were a moviegoer.”
Govinda is in her second year of politics. Govinda ran as a Congress candidate for the Mumbai North Lok Sabha seat in the 2004 Lok Sabha election. He overcame Ram Naik, a top BJP leader. Later on, though, Govinda broke with the Congress party and politics, opting not to run for office in the 2009 Lok Sabha elections.
The 48 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra will be up for election in five stages between April 19 and May 20, with vote counting scheduled for June 4.