The Hindu : CANDIDATE WATCH

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Apr 02, 2004

National

National - Elections 2004

CANDIDATE WATCH

Govinda, Congress candidate, Mumbai North

Traffic was blocked for hours as the streets were lined with people cheering a new politician. Firecrackers were set off as people yelled "Govinda Ala Re." It was the first day of Govinda's election campaign as the Congress candidate for the Mumbai North seat.

Popularly known as Chi Chi, Virar ka chokra and Hero No.1, Govinda, the filmstar turned politician, did not disappoint. He clearly proved he was a man the masses love. Dressed in white khadi, the actor was the epitome of a neta (leader) through the 6-km walk. He stopped at various junctions to give a speech. He prayed at every religious place of worship, collecting blessings from various priests. He acknowledged people with folded hands, accepted garlands and waved at the crowds making a special effort to look up and wave at people watching from rooftops and balconies. When party workers requested the star to take a break by getting into an open jeep, he said "I have made a promise to my people that I will walk. If I cannot accomplish this, how will I prove that I can fulfil my election promises?"

In a somewhat delayed yet expected announcement, the Congress declared the 40-year-old Govinda, who rose to dazzling heights as a Hindi film superstar, as its candidate for the Mumbai North seat. The announcement was met with much jubilation by the Congress workers who had wanted a "powerful" candidate in a constituency, regarded as a BJP stronghold. "He has come as a boon to us. We needed him desperately," said Elvira D'Souza, a Congress worker from Malad.

Although the BJP should probably be worried about Govinda's mass appeal and the possibility of his swaying the vote in what it considers a safe seat, the actor has a tough fight ahead. The Petroleum Minister, Ram Naik, a five-time winner from this constituency, is not going to be a pushover. "Let's see what Govinda's promises are. What he is doing now is all drama, which is what he is skilled at," said Manish Bora, a constituent. "He may, however, be able to make a difference to the number of votes." There is a good chance Govinda will give Mr. Naik a run for his money. The fight in this constituency is expected to be one of the most closely watched battles of this election.

So what are Govinda's promises? When The Hindu caught up with the actor, his lines were well rehearsed. "I will work towards providing basic human requirements," he said. "I lived here and I moved in trains and buses. I know the problems the people here face," said the actor, who now lives in a posh suburb of Mumbai. "The problems I had to deal with 16 years ago persist. People have been living like this year after year. Their demands have never been met. Water, electricity, garbage collection. I will do something about these things when I get elected."

What made him choose politics? He said, "I have gained wealth and fame. What more can I ask for? I need to do seva now. Besides, madam called me and I honoured her wishes." Govinda has campaigned for the Congress in the last two general elections. His parents were Congress workers which is why, he says, he is very familiar with the party. However, a film industry source says Govinda is struggling in an industry, which no longer makes his brand of films. None of his recent films have been hits. He needs the visibility and craves the adulation. Unfortunately, politics has not been the answer for many a film star with a failing career. — Anupama Katakam

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