2024 Lok Sabha polls: Govinda joins Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena
What's the story
Bollywood actor Govinda officially joined Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena on Thursday, reports said.
The confirmation came during Govinda's visit to Shinde's residence, marking his second meeting with the CM within a month.
"There was 'vanvaas' from 2010 to 2024. It has ended. I have entered Ram Rajya under Shinde ji," Govinda said after joining the party.
Political history
Govinda's previous political involvement with Congress party
Govinda's political career began in 2004 when he was selected by the Congress to represent the Mumbai-North Lok Sabha seat.
He won against Bharatiya Janata Party's seasoned leader Ram Naik in that election.
However, he later distanced himself from the Congress and refrained from participating in subsequent Lok Sabha elections.
Twitter Post
Watch: Govinda joins Shiv Sena in Mumbai
#WATCH | Veteran Bollywood actor Govinda joins Shiv Sena in the presence of Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde pic.twitter.com/vYu2qYDrlO
— ANI (@ANI) March 28, 2024
Alliance talks
Shiv Sena's alliance and election preparations
Notably, Shiv Sena, along with the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) led by Ajit Pawar, is part of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
Currently, the alliance partners are in discussions with the BJP regarding seat distribution for the upcoming elections.
A final decision on this matter is expected to be announced soon, reports have said.
Election timeline
Maharashtra's election schedule for Lok Sabha seats
Maharashtra, which holds the second-largest number of Lok Sabha seats at 48, will go to polls in five phases.
The election timeline extends from April 19 to May 20.
The by-election for the Akola West assembly seat will also occur during the second phase of voting.
The results will be announced on June 4.