Actor and sitting Congress MP from Mumbai North Govinda on Monday announced his decision not to seek re-election to the Lok Sabha, claiming his rivals in the party had created obstacles for him during his tenure.
Talking to reporters at his residence, Govinda said two weeks ago the central party leadership had asked the state unit to speak to him about whether he was willing to contest again.
“But, some people here did not want to convey the message to me. Finally, I took a call deciding against contesting because the delay in announcing the new candidate will work against the party,” Govinda said.
Govinda, who defeated BJP heavyweight Ram Naik in the 2004 Lok Sabha election, denied that he has been given a raw deal by the party.
“I was literally gheraoed within my own party. Some people did not want to work with me. So I decided to just campaign rather than contest again. But, Chief Minister Ashok Chavan, finally asked me whether I wanted to contest again,” he said.
Asked what he had lost and gained as a politician in the last five years, Govinda said,“ I would not like to blame the political field for my destiny. Gaining experience is never bad. Knowledge is power.”
{{/usCountry}}Asked what he had lost and gained as a politician in the last five years, Govinda said,“ I would not like to blame the political field for my destiny. Gaining experience is never bad. Knowledge is power.”
{{/usCountry}}In the delimitation process, the Mumbai North seat, which Govinda won last time, has been partitioned with a part of it being added to the newly formed Mumbai NorthWest constituency and another to the Palghar segment.
Govinda also extended his support for actress Nagma, who is aspiring for a Congress ticket to contest from the Mumbai NorthWest constituency.
"She is a newcomer and I will definitely help her," the actor said adding in our film industry, we pay more attention to the thoughts that are behind the words of newcomers rather than just what they say.