Better Late than Never: Govinda Transitions to BJP!
Fourteen years ago, Govinda, a prominent Bollywood actor, declared that politics was not his forte and labelled his foray into the political arena as a “major error.” This revelation came in 2012, five years after he departed from the Congress party, sparking considerable attention. Govinda candidly admitted, “Joining politics was a significant mistake… It was never my calling.”
However, breaking his political hiatus, the 60-year-old recently aligned himself with Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s faction of the Shiv Sena, just ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. His decision begs the question: what prompted this change of heart? What motivated Govinda, a Bollywood luminary, to join forces with Shiv Sena-BJP?
Govinda attributed his return to politics to the perceived integrity within the Shiv Sena under Shinde’s leadership. “The clean aura of Shiv Sena inspired me,” he explained, adding praise for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s developmental initiatives. Govinda, once affiliated with the Congress, expressed willingness to contribute to the state’s artistic and cultural advancement if given the opportunity.
Drawing a parallel between his political comeback and the narrative of the Ramayana, Govinda, whose full name is Govinda Ahuja, reflected, “I ventured into politics from 2004 to 2009. Coincidentally, I’m reentering the political sphere after 14 years.” Commending CM Shinde’s efforts towards Maharashtra’s progress, Govinda remarked, “Eknath Shinde has accomplished tasks that previously took decades to fulfil. I anticipate witnessing the same strides in the state as witnessed nationally over the past decade.”
Responding to queries about Govinda’s affiliation with Shiv Sena, the CM emphasized, “My administration prioritizes development and welfare, which resonated with him.” Shinde refrained from confirming whether Govinda would contest from the Mumbai North-West Lok Sabha constituency, stating that Govinda hadn’t imposed any conditions. “He’s solely interested in contributing to the film industry,” clarified the CM, underscoring that Govinda’s allegiance to the party wasn’t contingent on securing an electoral ticket.
Reflecting on Govinda’s departure from the Congress, he cited internal hurdles within the party as the reason for his exit in 2009. Despite the central leadership’s inclination to nominate him for the Mumbai North seat in the Lok Sabha elections, Govinda lamented facing opposition from within the party. “I felt besieged within my party. Certain individuals were averse to collaborating with me,” he recalled.
[Image Source: CNBC TV]
