A press note was released by the party on Friday which read “The Central Election Committee has approved the candidature of Smt. Urmila Matondkar as Congress candidate to contest the ensuing general elections to the Lok Sabha from 26-Mumbai North Parliamentary constituency of Maharashtra.”
Actor Urmila Matondkar Wednesday joined the Congress after meeting party Chief Rahul Gandhi at his residence. Gandhi welcomed her in the party fold and wished her the best.
Later, at a press conference, Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said the actor will contribute in spreading the Congress ideology and strengthening the party.
"I am here because I believe in the ideology of Congress and what the party stands for. I have not joined the party for the sake of elections," she told reporters.
"I am here to stay," she said, adding her entry in the Congress was not about elections.
Matondkar said she felt the need to join the Congress party as the freedom to express was under attack in the country and there are numerous examples in this regard in the last five years. She said the Congress party has participated in the freedom struggle and it stood for freedom.
"Today is a significant day for me as I have formally entered politics. My life has been inspired by Mahatma Gandhi from the days of my childhood," she also said.