Govinda took Dawood Ibrahim's help to defeat me in 2004 Lok Sabha polls: Ram Naik

Govinda has rejected Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naik's claim and said he did not need anyone's support at that time.

Lucknow: In a shocking claim, Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naik has alleged that Bollywood actor Govinda took underworld don Dawood Ibrahim and builder Hiten Thakur's help to defeat him in Mumbai North in the 2004 Lok Sabha elections.

In his memoir 'Chaireveti, Chaireveti' (Keep Moving) written in Marathi, Naik said despite being a three-time MP, he was unable to digest his defeat by a margin of only 11,000 votes.

The memoir, which was released in Mumbai on April 25, mentioned that Govinda was friends with Dawood and Thakur and the Bollywood actor used them to terrorise voters.

"He used their muscle power to poll votes against me and in his favour," he told The Times of India.

However, Govinda said he won because of the support of people. "I did not need anyone's support at that time. By saying such things, does Ram Naik mean that the people of the constituency were sold into the hands of the underworld. Please do not insult anyone by saying such things," the daily quoted Govinda as saying.

"At this juncture when I am coming back into films, I humbly request Ram Naik not to damage my name and create hurdles in my work," the actor said.

"If Govinda had any connection with Hindu or Muslim underworld, then why would his career come to a standstill for 10 years. Why is Govinda still making low-budget films?" he asked.