Actor Sayaji Shinde.
Credit: PTI Photo
Mumbai: Eminent actor, activist and environmentalist Sayaji Shinde on Friday joined the Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) on Friday coinciding with the Navratri festivities in the run up to the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly polls.
Shinde (65), a Maratha, has a tremendous fan-following.
Shinde had earlier praised Maharashtra government’s Mukhya Mantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana, a cash-benefit scheme.
Shinde joined the NCP in presence of Ajit Pawar, NCP Working President Praful Patel, state NCP President Sunil Tatkare and veteran OBC leader and state Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection Minister Chhagan Bhujbal.
Shinde hails from the Satara district of Maharashtra and has worked in Marathi, Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam and Bhojpuri films.
“I have portrayed the role of politicians in films, but I haven't become a politician yet. The social work I do made me think that instead of staying outside, it would be better to come into the system and do some good work. That's why I entered politics,” said Shinde, adding that he likes the policies of Ajit Pawar.
The actor would be among the NCP’s star campaigners.
“Shinde will be given due respect in the party,” said Ajit Pawar.