Film actor-director Mahesh Manjrekar may join Maharashtra Congress before Lok Sabha polls

Film actor-director Mahesh Manjrekar is reportedly keen to join the Congress ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

While Manjrekar, a prominent personality in the Marathi film industry, is keen on getting a nomination for the general elections, Congress leaders said they may consider him for an Assembly seat in Mumbai when Maharashtra goes to polls next year.

He is known to be a close friend of state Congress chief Ashok Chavan.

Leaders feel Manjrekar’s induction will benefit the party during the election campaign as Manjrekar has clout in the Marathi industry and could help rope in actors and other film personalities for the campaign.

Manjrekar had contested the 2014 Lok Sabha elections unsuccessfully as a candidate of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena from Mumbai’s North West constituency

Chavan, who refused to confirm speculations, said the Congress will welcome Manjrekar, if he decides to join it.