With state assembly elections on Oct 13, the Shiv Sena has been effectively boosting its strength by playing the Marathi card to woo prominent personalities.

Last week, television personality Aadesh Bandekar, who has anchored the popular Marathi serial 'Home Minister', joined the party.

Former Indian Idol and popular singer Abhijeet Sawant has also joined the party.

While Bandekar has joined without precondition, Sawant may be fielded as a candidate from a Mumbai constituency, said a party leader.