Actor Govinda joins CM Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena in Mumbai ahead of Lok Sabha polls: ‘I am back'

Bollywood actor Govinda made a political comeback on Thursday after joining in the presence of in Mumbai. The actor had earlier won elections on a Congress ticket from the Virar constituency after defeating Ram Naik.

The Raja Babu fame actor made his political debut in 2004. During that time, he emerged as a “giant killer" after he defeated BJP stalwart Ram Naik in the North Lok Sabha seat from party ticket. The 60-year-old actor was welcomed by Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde saying he was a popular figure in all sections of the society.

"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, said Govinda at the event where he officially joined Shiv Sena.

Applauding the work done by the central government under 's leadership, Govinda, fondly called Chi Chi, said, “We have seen the same level of progress here (in Maharashtra) in the last 2 years, as we have seen in the country in the last 10 years. We will focus on the beautification of the state and the growth of art and culture."

He 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. Mumbai looks more beautiful and developed since Shinde has become CM, he noted.

"I am joining Shiv Sena and it is a blessing of God. I thought I would not enter politics again," Govinda said as he was officially inducted into the party by Eknath Shinde. Govinda's parents had a good relationship with Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray.

Welcoming the Govinda in the party, Rajya Sabha MP Milind Deora said that he has known the veteran Bollywood actor for almost 25 years. Recalling the 2004's