Actor Chiranjeevi In Politics

[sajiv]

Telugu Megastar Chiranjeevi inaugurated his party office at midnight on 11th August amidst his close family members and friends!The mega star of Telugu cinema inaugurated this office on Road No. 46 of Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, in a discreet manner at 00.55 am on August 11, 2008!



Even his fans were not aware of the program until it commenced and was telecast live on TV. Pujas were performed in the presence of Chiranjeevi's mother, wife Surekha, brothers and film actors Nagendra Babu, Pawan Kalyan and son Ram Charan Teja.Brother-in-law Allu Arvind and close aides Dr Mitra and K.S.R. Murthy were also present at the ceremony. Congress MP Harirama Jogaiah and the former TD leader, K. Vidyadhara Rao, were also present.
   
Jogaiah informed that he would quit the Congress on August 17 and formally join Chiranjeevi's party.Even after opening the party office, the actor was not willing to reveal anything about the date of launch of his party, its name and agenda. Apparently, the actor has not revealed anything to the senior leaders who defected from other parties either.

At present the actor asked his followers and fans to take part in the relief and rehabilitation measures in the flood-hit areas across the state.

[sajiv]

Chiranjeevi's fans reach out to people

Several individuals hailing from different sections of the society are competing with each other in organising actor Chiranjeevi's birthday celebrations on grand scale. Rallies were taken out, fruits and bread were distributed at various institutions for the under privileged and saplings were planted to show their loyalty towards the actor and aspiring to bag good position in the proposed political party by him.

The Chiranjeevi fans took out a rally raising slogans in favour of the actor and wishing him good luck in politics. One Md. Riaz and his friends distributed fruits to the inmates at St. Anns Home for the Aged at Fathima Nagar while doctors led by Mr. Seshu Madhav spent their time interacting and distributing fruits to the inmates of Spandana School for the Mentally Retarded at Naimnagar in Hanamkonda. Mr. Seshu Madhav and his friends also planted saplings on the banks of Waddepally tank following the statements of their favourite actor. Mr Chiranjeevi urged his fans to plant saplings in the respective areas and undertake charity work rather that visit him at Hyderabad.

In rural parts, some of the fans distributed food to the poor. The sound horns belted out popular hits from Chiranjeevi's movies.

Pomp and gaiety
Fans of filmstar Chiranjeevi and Pawan Kalyan have celebrated the birthday celebrations of Megastar Chiranjeevi with much pomp and gaiety in Karimnagar town on Friday. The fans led by Md. Arif Ahmed, Harikumar Goud and others actively participated in blood donation programmes, poor feeding programme at Court cross roads. Later, in the evening, the fans cut a huge birthday cake weighing 53 kgs at the Kalabharathi in the town and participated in the cultural programmes by dancing to the popular numbers of Chiranjeevi.

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Chiru Party Office Opening

http://youtube.com/watch?v=mMzfmFCcHfI

[sajiv]

Chiranjeevi addresses one of the largest meetings in A.P

Ten lakh water sachets were gulped down in just an hour by 2 p.m. at the 'Praja Ankita Vedika', the venue where Chiranjeevi addressed one of the largest public meetings in Andhra Pradesh in the recent past.That speaks of the massive turnout of fans who were all ears to hear their darling hero. The actor made an instant connect with the cheering crowds by spending almost three minutes walking across the dais to wave at them.

Police resorted to a mild lathicharge to quell the eager fans when stones and slippers were thrown at them. Even a couple of hours before the meeting began, the venue was packed with milling crowds.Barricades began crashing when people surged forward to get as close as possible to security 'D'. But all those arrangements went haywire and people clambered onto anything that gave them a better view of the star on the dais.

Fans climbed atop generator vans causing sparks in the wiring. The actor had to stop his speech midway for a while, as a generator had to be switched off. The actor's brother, Nagendra Babu, singer Mano, popular newsreader Pragati, and others pleaded with the people to observe restraint.As the time for the star to make his appearance neared, things only worsened forcing the cultural programmes to be suspended.

Volunteers got into action and started shifting the estimated 2,000 physically-challenged persons to safer places behind the dais. The over 3,000 policemen and an equal number of volunteers could do nothing, as the crowd swelled and inched closer to the dais.From around noon, a couple of thousand physically-challenged persons were seated very close to the dais as a special gesture for them to have a close, uninterrupted view of the proceedings.

[sajiv]

Chiranjeevi's Praja Rajyam is born

Lights, camera, action! Amidst the flashing lights, zooming camera lenses and the vast gathering of ardous admirers, "Praja Rajyam" rolled out into action. With Telugu megastar Chiranjeevi at its helm, running the show, the official launch of yet another political party in India was nothing less than a cinema shoot featuring one of the topnotch heroes of the industry. Henceforth the 26th of August will go down in the annals of Indian history as the day when Chiranjeevi launched his political party right near the abode of Lord Venkateswara in Tirupati.

Addressing a massive audience of near about 10 lakh, the megastar seemed a new character altogether. He seemed one who had ripped apart the screen to appear before his admirers in flesh and blood to commune with them virtually one to one. With all the paraphernalia set , the opulent stage, the digital screen and other necessary arrangements, the show began on a low profile note. Having been a actor for nearly three decades, the proceedings started by playing the DVD of the actor's film Stalin; ultimately the show must run. The real show began when the hero walked his way to the stage acknowledging the roaring applause, shouts of joy and slogans of affection. When he christened his party as "Praja Rajyam" the whole of Tirupati reverberated in one voice of joy

Chiranjeevi, the Telugu actor aware of the pulse of his audience addressed them in a way evocative of a passionate plea. Putting forward the right moves at the right time he cast his spell over one and all. Humbling himself as a serviceman of the needy, he explained at length the reason behind his switch over from cinema to politics. Categorically stating that it was a rule for the people and by the people, he was careful enough never to project his personal ambitions whatsoever. Reminiscing his childhood and humble beginnings, the actor went on to bare himself before the crowd, who responded to every word spoken with tears of joy.

The hidden politician in him came to the center stage when he spoke at length without mincing words about the land reforms, corruption, social injustice, naxalite problem, poverty crisis, budget reforms, welfare issues for the poor and needy, the women, and the like. Punctuating his speech with images from his movies, the function was a complete package in itself. Showcasing a glossy picture of a bright future, but cautious enough not to overtly attack the Congress or the TDP factions, the actor steered clear of all controversies. Presenting himself as a warrior ready to take up the cudgels for redress, Chiranjeevi envisioned an 'Ananda Andhra Pradesh' (Happy Andhra Pradesh) for all. Ironically the only black mark was the stampede that ensued and resulted in the death of a woman and causing injury to many others once the show was over and the showmen had left.

Amidst all this action, one must not overlook that with the launch of this new political party "Praja Rajyam", the Indian political scenario is getting heated up. Even without attacking either the Congress or the TDP, the actor has slowly but silently kicked off a cold war among the warring groups. It remains for time to prove whether Chiranjeevi would be a true successor of NTR in the future days to come or whether "Praja Rajyam" would slowly slide into oblivion.

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Academic joins Praja Rajyam:
WARANGAL: Noted academic and chairman of the SR group of educational institutions A. Varada Reddy joined the Praja Rajyam here on Friday.It is learnt that he is keen to contest in the ensuing general elections.

[sajiv]

Chiru cornered on nuke deal

HYDERABAD: The Praja Rajyam president Chiranjeevi found himself on a sticky wicket when he said that while he was inspired to enter politics by former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, a man who favoured the Indo-US nuclear deal, the party per se was "not exactly supportive of it."At a press conference here on Sunday, he was responding to a question on how his party had participated in an anti-nuclear deal rally even as he claimed to draw political inspiration from Dr. Kalam, a strong supporter of the accord.

"Dr. Kalam is a great scientist and only expressed his support from a macro perspective. He cannot talk about the smaller details like a politician because he is a statesman," Mr Chiranjeevi said.Blaming successive Governments for failing to come to the rescue of suffering weavers, he said only a permanent solution would help improve their lot and stop suicides. If a long-term solution were in place, the three weavers would not have ended their lives in Sircilla on September 27, he said and regretted that instead of devising ways of helping them, people's representatives, specially those of the Congress, were throwing challenges at him.

The actor-politician said the PR was interacting with experts to put together a draft policy paper on how it would deal with the situation. They would come up with firm plans to rescue weavers in the short-term and also provide long-term solutions to improve their condition.

Membership drive: He announced that on Gandhi Jayanti, his fans and party sympathisers in every town would hoist the party flag. It would also mark the start of the party's membership drive. He said as promised earlier, Balakrishna Naidu, a physically challenged youth from Chikkadpally would be enrolled as the first member of the PRP, while he himself would be the second.

[dwarakesh]

After the official launch of Praja Rajyam party by cine star Chiranjeevi at Tirupati on August 26, the first-ever big official function related to Praja Rajyam party will be organised at 4/2, Arundelpet in Guntur city on October 2. Chiranjeevi's followers have high expectations from the Jhanda Pandaga (unveliling of party flag) and opening of party office premises on Gandhi Jayanthi.

Leaders, who had been aspiring to get identified with the party, will make their presence felt at the programme being organised on a massive scale. Following a call from the party high command, the local cadres have got the premises of Thota Chandrasekhar's brother readied as the official Praja Rajyam Party Office premises.

Chiranjeevi Fans' Association leader Sunkara Satish, corporator Showkath, Narsi Reddy and former Vinukonda TDP MLA Veerappaneni Yelamanda Rao have been working overnight to make this a big success so that they could go into the people with a bang.

Chilli Traders and Merchants' Association president Kilaru Roshaiah, son-in-law of Telugu Desam Party Polit Bureau member Ummareddy Venkateswarlu, who joined the Praja Rajyam, also has been making effort to take Chiranjeevi's message to the people. The party, which supported one of the candidates in the Jute Mills Trade Union elections, recently along with INTUC, TDP, CPI (M) and CPI lost the elections against Congress leader and Chilli Market Yard Chairman L. Appi Reddy.

They had put up large party banners and flags at the Bajarang Jute mills entrance and near the flyover as though an Assembly election was taking place. The defeat of the combined Opposition candidate was in a way loss for the Congress party also. Praja Rajyam party had been conducting small rallies and meetings all over the district, but could not make any impact so far to draw the attention of the people at large. The Praja Rajyam leaders Narsi Reddy and Veerappaneni Yelamanda have been made in-charge of two districts for the Chiranjeevi's proposed tour of entire state.

[sajiv]

Chiru fans to obstruct PR office Opening

KADAPA: Chiranjeevi Fans Association president Chennamsetty Muralikrishna on Wednesday announced that the association members would obstruct the scheduled inauguration of the Praja Rajyam office in the Cooperative Colony here by former MP C. Ramachandraiah on Thursday.

Alleging that neither Chiranjeevi fans were invited nor involved in selecting the party office, Mr. Muralikrishna asserted at a press conference that the party office should be accessible to people and not just to leaders.
Location choiceOpposing the opening of the Praja Rajyam office near Mr. Ramachandraiah's house in Cooperative Colony, which, he alleged, would be under the control of the former MP and a particular community, Mr. Muralikrishna wanted it to be located on Madras road here.

Praja Rajyam functionary Khaleel Sherwani alleged that minorities were being neglected by the party leaders in Kadapa.Mr. Muralikrishna and Mr. Sherwani alleged that they worked for establishing the party base in Kadapa, but the entry of some leaders was vitiating the atmosphere.

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Chiru visits best panchayat

Praja Rajyam president Chiranjeevi said his party would delegate the powers

GEESUKONDA - WARANGAL : Praja Rajyam president Chiranjeevi said his party would delegate the powers and authorities due to the local bodies if voted to power. It would implement in letter and spirit the 73rd and 74th amendments of the Constitution and empower the local bodies.Mr. Chiranjeevi visited Gangadevipalli village here on Thursday.The village was adjuged the best Gram Panchayat by the Government of India in 2007 and won several awards for good governance.

The CPI (M)-dominated village has many things to its credit such as 100 per cent literacy, cent per cent enrolment of children into schools, cent per cent tax collection and so on.The Praja Rajyam leader was here on a study tour and to learn how the people had achieved this distinction. Interacting with the sarpanch, Kusam Rajamouli, and other ward members, Mr Chiranjeevi was surprised when the sarpanch said they impose a fine of Rs 500 if people defecate in the open and stop drinking water supply if the family failed to water the plants in front of their house.

Impressed by the development achieved by the Gram Panchayat and unity of the people, Mr. Chiranjeevi said he would strive to replicate the model across the State. "The late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi made efforts to make local bodies effective, but successive governments failed to implement them.The Praja Rajyam will delegate all the powers and funds due to them and see that every village will turn into a Gangadevipalli," he said amid cheers.The Praja Rajyam leader was two hours behind schedule and there was a heavy downpour.Thousands of people from different corners made a beeline to Gangadevipalli to see their favourite film hero.

[sajiv]

Praja Rajyam office opened

NIZAMABAD: Freedom fighter Vithal Das formally opened the district office of the Praja Rajyam while a Scheduled Caste woman, Ajmira Saraswati Bhai, hoisted the party flag, here on Thursday.The first membership in the party in the district was given to a differently-abled person, Sankar. The party district in-charge and former Minister Amar Singh Tilawath and former legislator T. Arunatara felicitated Vithal Das, Saraswati Bhai and Sankar.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Amar Singh called upon the members to spread the party ideals.

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    Hyderabad: Finally, Chiranjeevi's rajyam, will have praja. After having kept the dozens of people who walked into his fold hanging for months, Prajarajyam supremo Chiranjeevi began the membership drive and made a physically challenged person the first member of the party.

    After admitting Balakrishna Naidu, the physicallychallenged person, as the first member upon payment of Rs 5 as membership fee, Chiranjeevi himself became member number two. The honours for the next three positions went to Shobha Nagi Reddy, Ch Hariram Jogaiah and Pavan Kalyan respectively.

    Balakrishna Naidu, a Chikkadpally resident, is said to be a member of the BC community and had attempted without success to meet his superstar for days together at the party office. Finally, upon meeting Chiranjeevi, he is said to have broken down, upon which the megastar promised the boy would be made the first member of his party.

    Meanwhile, on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanthi on Thursday, Chiranjeevi garlanded the portrait of the father of the nation and hoisted the party flag at the Jubilee Hills party office. Speaking at the event, Chiranjeevi called upon the people to play their part in achieving "Grama Swarajya" aspired by the Mahatma. "I entered politics to achieve grama swarajyam aspired by Mahatma Gandhi," he said.

    Later, Chiranjeevi vowed that as part of his green drive, his party would plant at least a million saplings throughout the state.

[dwarakesh]

Andhra parties wooing actors for 'star power'

There has been a literal demand for cine stars in Andhra Pradesh, not for more mega projects but to boost the electoral fortunes of political parties.

The hunt for actors has expedited after the recent launch of Chiranjeevi's Praja Rajyam party.

In addition to Chiranjeevi, his actor-brothers – Pavan Kalyan and Nagendra Babu -- work for his Praja Rajyam Party, helping it to spread its reach to the masses.

While Nagendra, also a leading producer, undertakes visits to different places on various party missions, Pavan, a popular hero, is currently on a tour of this city unveiling the party flag at several localities.

Aimed at attracting youth, Pavan talks about how Chiranjeevi can bring about change in the system as the other political parties have failed to deliver the goods.

To counter Chiranjeevi family's campaign, Telugu Desam Party chief N Chandrababu Naidu has roped scions of late N T Rama Rao family -- Balakrishna, junior N T Rama Rao, Kalyanram and Taraka Ratna -- to work for the party.

While Balakrishna is N T Rama Rao's son, the other three are the former's nephews. Interestingly, Balakrishna's daughter is married to Naidu's son.

Balakrishna, a contemporary of Chiranjeevi, has his fan following among rural masses, the young lot of junior NTR, Kalyanram and Taraka Ratna have good hits to their credit.

Ever since the talk of Chiranjeevi's political entry began, Naidu has been wooing the actors by holding luncheon meetings with them.

The actors have buried their reported family differences and pledged to work for the party to bring back its past glory.

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Chiranjeevi sets the poll wheel rolling

Elections in Andhra Pradesh are six months away. And the new political entrant Chiranjeevi has decided to show his strength to his political rivals.

He will set the rath rolling for his maiden political yatra from the north coastal Srikakulam district in Andhra Pradesh on Friday.

The star politician's first public meeting at Tirupati in August was a huge hit with over 7 lakh people attending it and he hopes he could weave magic during his yatra too.

"I want to know the pulse of the people of Andhra Pradesh, their problems. It will help me design my manifesto and on top of everything, it gives me josh and motivation to be with people," he said.

His yatra Chiranjeevi's managers say, will be grand on a scale like never seen before. Nearly 800 private security men have been hired to accompany him throughout the tour and handle crowds.

The yatra is expected to silence Chiranjeevi's critics and political rivals who have been accusing the actor-turned-politician of not being clear in his stand on issues like Telangana statehood and the Naxal issue.

Source: NDTV

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Praja Rajyam to keep Telugu Desam Party, BJP at bay

The Praja Rajyam has asserted that it will not join any coalition in which either the Telugu Desam Party or the Bharatiya Janata Party would be constituents.

The PR would consider alliances with other political parties on the basis of their policies and programmes. "Alliances should be made on the basis of policies and there can be no cut-off dates for doing that," PR spokesman Parakala Prabhakar said.

He was responding to a query on CPI (M) State secretary B.V. Raghavulu's reported remarks that the PR should clarify its stand on the issues raised by the CPI (M) before the commencement of the party's central committee meeting at Kolkata on October 12.

Conditions

He said PR president Chiranjeevi and other leaders were holding consultations with the CPI (M) as the party felt that there were ideological similarities between the two parties.

The PR would, however, keep itself away if the CPI (M) and the TDP were part of the same platform. Replying to queries on Telangana, Mr. Prabhakar said the PR had better clarity on Telangana than any other political party in the State.

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Chiranjeevi promises free power to ryots

SRIKAKULAM: Praja Rajyam president Chiranjeevi on Friday promised 24-hour free power supply to farmers, at least in backward districts, if his party comes to power.Addressing a large gathering near Narsannapet on National Highway 5 as part of his "Praja Ankitha Yatra," he said it was the government's responsibility to come to the rescue of people when they were in a crisis.

Farmers were already reeling under shortage of fertilizer and unremunerative prices for their produce, he said. Power shortage only added to their woes and if the government did not help them "We will work out a proposal to extend free power supply in backward districts."

It was as if people from every house in this town had turned up on the streets to catch a glimpse of the star-turned-politician atop his 'Praja Ankitha Ratham' flanked by MLCs Gorle Haribabu and former Minister in the Telugu Desam government Tammineni Seetaram. The roads were so packed with people, especially women and youth, that the long-winding convoy comprising at least 100 vehicles could only inch forward. In tune with his policy of not criticising leaders of other political parties and using harsh language against anyone, he did not name anybody but regretted that successive governments had neglected peoples' welfare. Individual and political interests were placed above that of the people. "If you patronise the Praja Rajyam, I promise that we will work out solutions to every problem you have been facing the past decades and do everything to improve your daily life," he declared to a thunderous applause.

On the first day of his 'Yatra', he addressed half a dozen meetings in this town, attracting teeming crowds. He said he was all for development but not at the cost of welfare. "The common man cannot be hit below the belt," he said, promising that he would do everything to remove imbalances in society.

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Chiranjeevi strikes a chord

SRIKAKULAM: The sleepy town of Srikakulam woke up to the presence of the man they held dear as a film star amid them on Friday morning going through their lanes and by-lanes.For many, it was almost incredible event to see Chiranjeevi donning the role of president of Praja Rajyam party. Youth and women were simply overwhelmed to see him standing before them at a stone's throw distance.

As news spread in the town that Mr. Chiranjeevi was all set to have a face-to-face with them, thousands made a beeline to all the important centres in the town from where he was to pass through.

People's needs: People climbed up roof tops of houses and government offices and occupied all vantage points to catch a glimpse. Youth dominated the crowds followed by women. Avoiding direct reference to either the Congress or the Telugu Desam parties, he went on a positive note saying he would bring about a revolutionary change. He promised to ensure that no elected representative acted according to his whims and fancies and remained sensitive to people's needs.

Mr. Chiranjeevi, who commenced his mass contact programme at 9 a.m. in the town, touched all the main thoroughfares of the town and everywhere the burden of his song was "change." He reiterated that only Praja Rajyam can usher in such a change. He said that he was overwhelmed by the enthusiasm shown by youth and added that any other country would have made optimum utilisation of their collective power.

He said that job-oriented courses would be introduced in colleges and by the time they came out of their colleges jobs would be made available for them. He said that seeds, fertilizers and whatever the farmers needed would be provided without difficulty. He said that he did not believe in making tall promises but stated that basic amenities would be ensured to all sections.Mr. Chiranjeevi held roadshows and addressed meetings at 10 important roadside towns and villages en route his campaign trail of about 80 km from Srikakulam to Palasa.

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Chiranjeevi Graduates Society seeks support of the educated

VIJAYAWADA: Speakers at an awareness meeting organised by the Chiranjeevi Graduates Society (CGS) here on Sunday made a fervent plea to the educated classes to extend their full support to actor-turned-politician Chiranjeevi and make his Praja Rajyam Party a success.Noted physician and social activist G. Samaram, who is now associated with the PRP, said he would be extending his full support to Chirajeevi as a leader, which was more in return for the support the actor had given him in organising various social service activities.

"For the last 15 years, there has been good support from Mr. Chiranjeevi in my social service activities. It is my desire to support him and see a bright future for him," he said. PRP city leader Bonda Srinivasa Rao asserted that there were clear indications that Chiranjeevi would become the next Chief Minister after the Assembly elections. He referred to the huge response from the public to Chiranjeevi's Praja Ankita Yatra in north coastal Andhra Pradesh as a clear indication of the people's approval of Chiranjeevi's leadership.

Chiranjeevi Graduates Society State president Allu Govinda Rao and Krishna district president Katari Eeswara Rao briefed the gathering about the objectives of their society.The society would continue to conduct support mobilisation meetings all over the State and the district so as to underline the importance of educated people actively supporting Chiranjeevi's leadership.

Former Mayor Tadi Sakuntala called upon women to participate in the PRP activities in large numbers and extend their whole-hearted support to Chiranjeevi. She said that the actor had entered politics with a clear objective of bringing about a change in the State and the benefits of this would certainly go to the downtrodden and all sections of society.Mr. Eeswara Rao said their society would bring out a fortnightly called 'Yuva Sena' with a view to featuring information relating to the participation of graduates in social service and other activities in support of Chiranjeevi's leadership.

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Chiru to tour Warangal, Karimnagar from Oct 22nd(08)


Chiranjeevi to cover the two districts in phase two of his 'Praja Ankitha Yatra' 'Over 35 lakh people enrolled as members in Praja Rajyam since October 2'

GRAND AFFAIR: The imposing elevation of Praja Rajyam's second office in Hyderabad. (Right) Chiranjeevi going around the new office.HYDERABAD: Praja Rajyam president Chiranjeevi will tour Warangal and Karimnagar districts over a period of five days from October 22.

After inaugurating the new office building that will serve as the main office on Road No. 5, Jubilee Hills, on Sunday, he asked the party's core committee members to chalk out a detailed programme for him to cover the two districts in phase two of his 'Praja Ankitha Yatra'.

The new office, spread over 30,000 square feet of space across three floors, will be the second one for the party and will be used for all functional activities, henceforth.The present facility on Road No. 46, will hereafter serve the purpose for which it was initially constructed for, as the PR chief's secretariat, where Chiranjeevi will interact with members of the core committee and select leaders.

Membership: Earlier, welcoming the gathering, the PR's coordinator for membership, Thota Chandrasekhar, said over 35 lakh people had enrolled as members in the Praja Rajyam since October 2, when it opened for membership.Another former IAS officer, K.S.R. Murthy, recalled how the visit to Sircilla by Mr. Chiranjeevi in September had forced Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, Opposition leader Nara Chandrababu Naidu and even a Parliamentary delegation to take a closer look at the problem of weavers' suicides.

A leader championing the cause of the Backward Classes, V.G.R. Naragoni, said Mr. Chiranjeevi's commanding presence among people was making the Government and other political parties stand up, take notice and talk of help - be it the issue of SEZs or neglect of welfare.Others present on the dais with Mr. Chiranjeevi were former MP Ch. Harirama Jogaiah, former IPS officer C. Anjaneya Reddy and spokesman P. Mitra, who also proposed the vote of thanks.

The actor's younger brother, Pawan Kalyan, inaugurated one floor of the building.

[sajiv]

Chiranjeevi has joined politics to fight corruption
Membership drive gains momentum, say party leaders
Full-fledged panels to be formed soon

VIJAYAWADA: Reacting to the mounting criticism from the ruling Congress ranks, Praja Rajyam Party leaders here on Sunday asserted that Chiranjeevi took the ultimate plunge into politics only because of the 'unchecked' and 'unprecedented' corruption in the State in the last four and half years.

PRP leaders -- Kamineni Srinivas, G. Samaram, Tulasi Ramachandra and Zia Ur Rehman -- said that their leader asked for exercising restraint and abstain from personal criticism even when there would be some provocation from the rival parties. However, they reiterated that Chiranjeevi deliberated his entering politics for a long time and took the ultimate decision just to provide an alternative to the people to fight corruption.

Addressing a press conference, Mr. Srinivas and Dr. Samaram said that the membership drive picked up momentum in the districts of Krishna, Guntur, Prakasam and West Godavari. The zonal committee's meeting was held here to give responsibilities to the respective committee members. Each member was given two Assembly constituencies to oversee conduct of the membership drive there.

Mr. Srinivas said that the party office would be shifted to new premises in a few days from the existing place at Dr. G. Samaram's hospital. They were finding a suitable and centrally-located place for the party office in the city. "A full-fledged city and district level party committee to look after the day-to-day affairs will also be in place soon. Our president will take it up," he added.

Tour yet to be finalised :When asked about Chiranjeevi's tour, Mr. Srinivas said that it would take some more time for their party president to finalise dates for his tour in Krishna district and a clear picture would emerge only after the completion of the Telangana tour.The PRP leaders were overwhelmed at the response to their party president's Praja Ankita Yatra and it had boosted membership drive taken up across the State. Mr. Rehman said that the party leadership asked all the newly-enrolled activists to see that the party flag keeps fluttering atop their houses with a view to increasing the visibility of the party's strength.

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Chiru's Telangana tour from Oct 30th(08)

HYDERABAD: Praja Rajyam president K. Chiranjeevi will cover 15 Assembly constituencies in the three districts of Karimnagar, Warangal and Khammam over eight days. He will start from Sircilla on October 30 and conclude the second leg of his 'Praja Ankitha Yatra' at Bhadrachalam on November 6.

Announcing this at a media briefing on Thursday, party spokesman Parakala Prabhakar said that they were expecting greater response from people to the second leg of the programme, compared to the tour of North Coastal Andhra. Asked about issues about which the party president would speak, he said that as coordinator of the regional issues study committee of the party, his team had given detailed inputs on burning issues. "You will hear Mr. Chiranjeevi speak on people's problems. The fact that we are starting from Sircilla indicates our concern for the lakhs of weavers," he said.

After considering various options, including tour of one district for two days and two districts for five days at one stretch, he party has finally got back to its originally-announced format of three districts over eight or nine days. However, even an hour before the itinerary was 'finalised', party managers were still poring over maps and charting out a course for their leader.
Schedule

According to the schedule, Mr. Chiranjeevi will spend four days in Karimnagar district, starting from Sircilla and touching Rudrangi, Metpalli, Dharmpuri, Ramagundam, Peddapalli, Karimnagar and Huzurabad.

In Warangal on November 3 and 4, he will cover Parkal, Mulug, Narsampet and Mahbubabad, before entering Khammam district on November 5, taking his road shows through Khammam, Yenukuru, Kothagudem and Bhadrachalam, till the evening of November 6.

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Chiranjeevi calls on Dasari in hospital

Showing concern: Praja Rajyam president K. Chiranjeevi and wife Surekha with former Union Minister Dasari Narayana Rao in Hyderabad on Thursday.

HYDERABAD: Actor-turned-politician and Praja Rajyam president K. Chiranjeevi on Thursday evening called on producer-director and former Union Minister Dasari Narayana Rao at the Asian Institute of Gastroenterology (AIG) here and spent about half an hour enquiring after his health.

Mr. Rao was admitted to hospital for a problem that was diagnosed as 'gall stone induced pancreatitis'. Hospital sources said doctors began draining out pus from the gall bladder. Once this was done, the former Union Minister will undergo a surgery.

Mr. Chiranjeevi was accompanied by wife Surekha and brother-in-law and film producer Allu Aravind.CPI Secretary K. Narayana also called on Mr. Rao.

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Praja Rajyam to give more seats to women

HYDERABAD: Praja Rajyam (PR) president K. Chiranjeevi on Sunday declared that he would give more seats in the general elections to women than any other political party.As if to prove this point and also to show his commitment for bringing in social justice and to empower women, he introduced Munemma, a daily wage labourer and member of a self-help group (SHG) from Vakadu mandal in Nellore district .

Shaking hands with the young woman on the stage, he proudly showed her off to a gathering primarily comprising women who had come to attend a meeting called by Mahila Varathi and said she should be an inspiration. He added that he too was motivated by the fiery speeches by this tribal woman hailing from Pambali village and belonging to the Yanadi community.

Mr. Chiranjeevi regretted that even educated people were getting rid of female children, either leveraging technology to snuff the life even while in the womb, or dumping them in garbage bins. On the other hand was the rising numbers of girl children being sold away, he said. When PR comes to power, it will have a comprehensive legislation in place, providing for basic education and health and one that would be implemented strictly, he said.

Sensitivity needed: Earlier, Munemma categorically said men clad in safari suits and women wearing jewels were least likely to improve awareness among rural folk and motivate them to vote for PR."What we need is to display the sensitivity required to communicate to the rural poor that having understood their everyday problems, the party had the confidence of improving their lot. Only when we do it will they vote for Chiranjeevi," she said to applause.

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Chiranjeevi's mass contact programme

Actor-turned-politician Chiranjeevi will kick off the second leg of his mass contact programme from the Telangana heartland on Thursday.The eight-day political yatra would cover the three Telangana districts of Karimnagar, Warangal and Khammam, party sources said.

Chiranjeevi would commence the road show from Siricilla in Karimnagar district, where scores of weavers ended their lives due to the crisis gripping the handlooms and powerlooms there.The Praja Rajyam Party founder had earlier visited Siricilla to express solidarity with the weavers.The visit has put Congress government in a spot for its alleged failure to rescue the weavers. During the tour, Chiranjeevi is expected to spell out his party's stand on the crucial issues of separate Telangana and Naxalism.The Karimnagar and Warangal districts, hotbed of Telangana statehood movement, were also used to be strongholds of Naxal activities. The actor had to cut short his first leg of tour in north coastal Andhra Pradesh by two days earlier this month due to sore throat.

While Chiranjeevi's first leg of mass contact programme was a big hit, going by the huge crowd turnout, his impact in Telangana region will come under close scrutiny by major political players as it is expected to decide the contours of electoral alliances for next year's assembly polls.The main opposition Telugu Desam Party has already made a U-turn and announced its support for Telangana cause in the hope of striking an alliance with Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS), a major player in the region.

[dwarakesh]

Actor-turned-politician Chiranjeevi on Thursday virtually endorsed the demand for separate Telangana state, though he stopped short of announcing his party's stand on the issue.

Kicking off the second leg of his mass-contact programme from this handloom hub in the Telangana heartland, the Praja Rajyam party founder said he understood the sentiments of the people and their desire.

"I don't have any personal agenda. People's agenda is my agenda. I can understand the heartbeat of the people of Telangana. I honour the self-respect of the people of the region," he said, addressing a road show here.

Amid cheers from the large gathering, the megastar said he would spell out his party's stand on the statehood issue before completion of his present leg of tour.

"I will not leave Telangana without spelling out my stand on the most-awaited issue," Chiranjeevi said. The second round of his tour would cover Karimnagar, Warangal and Khammam districts over the next eight days in Telangana region.

Without naming any one, he hit out at political parties for exploiting the innocence of Telangana people for their advantage.

Chiranjeevi's tour in Telangana is keenly watched in political circles as his stand on the statehood demand is expected to impact the outcome of the next year's assembly elections.

Since Telangana has emerged as a key issue ahead of polls, the megastar's position will influence the nature of alliances in the region.

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Mega Arrangements for Chiru

WARANGAL: Elated at the public response in the neighbouring Karimnagar for the Chiranjeevi's tour, the Praja Rajyam leaders in the district were making elaborate arrangements to accord a grand welcome to their leader.Addressing a press conference here on Thursday, Praja Rajyam party senior leader Mr. C. Ramachandraiah said the 'Praja Ankita yatra' was getting unprecedented response from the public in Telangana region.

"The huge turnout of the people in thousands at small towns like Sircilla proved that the people were showing positive response to the PR and its chief Mr. Chiranjeevi," he said.Many political leaders stated that there would be no place for another political party and added that there would be no place for actors in the present day politics. But the response to Mr. Chiranjeevi in north Andhra and the north Telangana has proved the critics wrong and the people were clearly supporting the PR policies, he added.

The PR leader was confident that the party founder would get similar kind of great response in the district during his 'yatra' in the district. Mr. Chiranjeevi would make three night halts one each at Bala Vikasa at Kazipet, Mulug, and Mahabubabad in the district.

He explained that the social agenda and social justice slogans of the party were going down well with the public and they were showing it through their response during the road shows.PR district in-charge Bommagani Sidhartha Goud, Mechineni Sampath Rao, K Laxmikanth and others were present.

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Chiranjeevi fans in jubilant mood

Upbeat: Workers of Praja Rajyam celebrating the announcement of support to Telangana by Chiranjeevi in Warangal on Friday. –
WARANGAL: The fans and workers of Praja Rajyam burst crackers and shouted slogans. There were scenes of jubilation from them for actor-turned-politician Chiranjeevi.As soon as he announced the party’s support to a separate Telangana at Jagitial in Karimnagar district, the party workers came on to the roads and burst crackers hailing the decision in Hanamkonda and Warangal towns.

“Mr. Chiranjeevi is the only leader who talked of not only the geographical Telangana but also the social Telangana aimed at ensuring social justice to the downtrodden in all the fields,” said Mr. M. Seshu Madhav who took part in celebrations.

Fatal to Congress: He stated that as Mr. Chiranjeevi announced his support for the formation of a separate State, there would be no stopping for him in Telangana as well as in all other regions of the State. In a jubilant reaction, noted neurosurgeon N. Laxmi Prasad and M. Sampath Rao said that Mr. Chiranjeevi’s categorical stand in favour of a separate State would prove fatal to the ruling Congress in the region.Scores of supporters and fans of the actor danced to the drum beats at the Station Road circle here.

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Chiranjeevi backs Telangana demand

The proposal for the creation of Telangana got a big push on Friday when film actor-turned-politician Chiranjeevi's fledgling Praja Rajyam extended its backing to the creation of the new state. His announcement is now expected to mount pressure on the ruling Congress to follow suit as it's now the only major political stakeholder in Andhra Pradesh which has resisted all efforts made in this direction so far.

While announcing his support to the statehood demand during the second day of the Telangana leg of his roadshow, the Praja Rajyam chief put the ball in the Centre's court, making it clear that his party would not be a obstacle in the fulfilment of the long-standing demand.

"It is for the central government to take a decision on creation of Telangana state. If it comes up with such a proposal, our party will not be an obstacle at any cost," he told a gathering at Jagityal in Karimnagar, the seat represented in the Lok Sabha by TRS chief K Chandrasekhara Rao.

The filmstar is the latest politician to board the Telangana bandwagon. His backing to the statehood cause came days after TDP chief and former Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu did a complete U-turn on the issue, giving up his opposition to the demand and turning into a Telangana proponent.

The BJP and the TRS, the other political players which have significant presence in the region, are already fighting for the cause.

Source: Economic Times

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Chiranjeevi is a political novice - YSR

Gearing up: Chief Minister Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy, APCC president D. Srinivas and Finance Minister K. Rosaiah at the PCC office bearers meeting in Hyderabad on Sunday.

HYDERABAD: Chief Minister Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy described Praja Rajyam president Chiranjeevi as a "political novice" who lacked a clear understanding of various issues.Addressing the maiden meeting of the newly appointed Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee office bearers here at Gandhi Bhavan on Sunday, Dr. Reddy targeted the PR chief saying that he was ignorant of the ground realities and preferred to read a prepared text without doing an in-depth study of the issues.

Confident of victory: Dr. Reddy called upon the office bearers and other leaders to work in close coordination so that the party retained power without any difficulty. He exuded confidence that the Congress would win 235 seats. "No other political party can dream of coming to close to us," he reportedly told the office-bearers.

TRS, Left flayed: He also reportedly criticised the TRS and the Left parties for their desperation to forge alliances with other parties. "It is unfortunate that these parties have given a go by to their ideologies. They only want to defeat the Congress and Rajasekhara Reddy," he reportedly remarked.

APCC president D. Srinivas told reporters that party functionaries were told to publicise the government's developmental and welfare programmes. "Rely on word of mouth campaign," he said and added that though advertisements in television and newspapers were okay, they had a limited reach.

Rosaiah's advice: Finance Minister and APCC Campaign Committee chairman K.Rosaiah urged the leaders to highlight programmes like Arogyasri, which was being emulated by other States.Later, Mr. Srinivas had separate interaction with the office bearers on allotment of organisational work. He is understood to have discussed issues such as appointment of district observers and inclusion of office bearers in the campaign and selection committees.

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Chiranjeevi's show houseful in Warangal

Milling crowds wait patiently to catch a glimpse of the actor-turned-politician
Local leaders compete with each other to accord a rousing welcome to the PR presidentChiranjeevi promises to check rising prices of essentials if elected to power

WARANGAL: Like a torrent, people poured on to the roads. The crowds spilled all over, from the trees, building and traffic dividers. Cutting across party affiliations, people thronged to catch a glimpse of Praja Rajyam leader Chiranjeevi when he arrived in Warangal district for his three-day tour on Sunday evening.

With great excitement people gathered at every traffic junction several hours before to see their matinee idol and listen to his message. The whole town was colourfully decorated with festoons and huge glow sign boards featuring photographs of Chiranjeevi and local leaders. Under the glowing sign boards, people gathered at several places all along the route from Hasanparthy to Hanamkonda chowrastha. They virtually blocked the road preventing vehicular traffic. The police who were in large numbers had a tough time with the crowds swelling each passing moment.

As the arrival of Mr. Chiranjeevi was delayed by several hours, the crowds grew with people from surrounding villages on either side of the roads making a beeline to see and listen to their favourite actor.Youth came in great numbers while the women appeared thin. Local leaders tried their best to show their strength by mobilising people and putting up large banners and party flags at every possible point en route.

Vote for change: Karimnagar Staff Reporter adds: Blaming the State government for the escalation of prices of all essential commodities and burdening the people, Chiranjeevi promised to end their woes if Praja Rajyam is elected to power.Launching his last lap of the four-day Praja Ankhita yatra in Karimnagar town, he also flayed the State government for failing to provide minimum facilities such as proper roads, drinking water, RTC buses, uninterrupted power supply etc to the citizens. Addressing the women, who attended in large numbers at the roadshow near Kaman crossroads, he said that they were facing several hardships to run their families. People were facing problems due to the inefficient performance of the State government and the time has come for changing the government, he said.

Quality services: He vowed to would provide quality education and health services and strive to bring about a social change."Why elect the same person when there is no change", he questioned and called upon the people to give a chance to Praja Rajyam to bring the 'change' in the society.

Referring to the presence of large number of youth, he asked them to enrol themselves in the voters list and play a responsible role. Hailing the communal harmony in Karimnagar district, he said that he would accord priority in the allocation of party tickets in the elections and elect Muslims as public representatives.He also promised to allocate 10 acres of land to Idgah in Karimnagar town after attaining power.

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Chiranjeevi dares Congress to clear stand on Telangana

PARKAL (WARANAL DT): Praja Rajyam president Chiranjeevi dared the Congress to come out clear on the Telangana issue. "We said we are for a separate State. We said we will not obstruct formation of new State. We said we respect the sentiments and self-respect of people of Telangana. What more clarity do you want from me," he sought to know from the Congress leaders as the people cheered in jubilation.

People continued to throng in large numbers to welcome Praja Rajyam leader on the second day of his tour in rural areas of the district. He addressed road shows at Gudepad cross roads, Parkal chowrastha, bus stand area and all along the road until he crossed over to proceed towards Regonda mandal headquarters.

Mr. Chiranjeevi was speechless on occasions and just he waved at the multitude of crowds who vied to see him in real life.En route, the TRS workers sporting flags protested demanding him to say 'Jai Telangana'. Irked at such protests,Mr. Chiranjeevi said he was very clear on the issue. "It is the Congress party which promised separate Telangana. It is the Congress leaders who owned the TRS flag and come to people. Let us all question the Congress party on the issue," he told the people.

Wearing a broad smile and waving at the people, Mr. Chiranjeevi drove past the villages and junctions as hundreds of vehicles followed him. The aspiring candidates put up a good show erecting huge flexi boards with the photographs of Mr Chiranjeevi and themselves at all important road corners.At the Parkal, Mr. Chiranjeevi reminded the farmers of gloomy days when several of them were forced to commit suicides. He said lack of minimum support price failed their hopes and drove them to extremes.

He promised to learn more about their plight as he proceeded in the district. After crossing the Parkal town, Mr Chiranjeevi walked into the cotton field and interacted with a farmer there.Earlier in the day, several leaders from the district and a group of doctors led by noted paediatrician M. Seshu Madhav called on him and apprised him of the public response to the party.

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Chiranjeevi faces hostile reception in Warangal

For the first time after his foray into politics, Chiranjeevi on Tuesday faced hostile reception at a village near Warangal when eggs were thrown at him but the actor-turned-politician was unfazed.Three persons, said to be activists of the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS), were detained by police for allegedly hurling eggs at the megastar at Narsampet during his road show in the Telangana districts of Andhra Pradesh.

Chiranjeevi asserted that he was unfazed by the incident and nothing can deter him from moving on his path."I thank those who have thrown eggs. Incidents like this will not affect me. I will keep moving," he said. Chiranjeevi has been conducting road shows in the Telangana region since October 30 drawing huge crowds.

Though the Praja Rajyam Party founder said his party would support any move by the Centre for creation of Telangana state, the TRS, heading the statehood cause, has been insisting that he should give more clarity on his stand.

At some places during his tour, TRS activists waving their party flags tried to stop the actor's convoy.Chiranjeevi has covered Karimnagar and Warangal districts and would move on to Khammam district, where the tour would conclude with a public meeting at Bhadrachalam.

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Chiranjeevi doesn't rule out alliance with BJP

Hyderabad: In an exclusive interview to CNN IBN, film star turned politician Chiranjeevi who recently launched his party Praja Rajyam, has not ruled out an alliance with the BJP.

Chiranjeevi, who's campaigning in the Telangana region, spoke to Senior Editor Veeraraghav TM.

Veeraraghav: Sitting in Telengana sir, I want to ask you are you open to an alliance with the Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS)?

Chiranjeevi: Yes. No problem. Anybody except the Congress and the Telegu Desam Party (TDP). We are open for an alliance.

Veeraraghav: What about and alliance with the BJP? Will you consider an alliance with the BJP?

Chiranjeevi: Being a secular party I don't think it will happen but when really inevitable, and if we have to for the betterment of our state and country, if we are cornered in such a way, we will try to avoid, but I don't know. I don't want to be with the BJP.

Veeraraghav: But if it's inevitable you would?

Chiranjeevi: If it's inevitable and it's for the wider cause for humanitarian good then maybe. I don't know.

Veeraraghav: If it comes to that?

Chiranjeevi: It's too early to say.

Veeraraghav: But you are open to considering that possibility?

Chiranjeevi: Maybe a feeble chance. I cannot say yes or no today.

Veeraraghav: . So you are open to that possibility?

Chiranjeevi: You can take it that way.

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Chiru may tour Rayalaseema from Nov 12th(08)

HYDERABAD: Buoyed by the success of 'Praja Ankitha Yatra' in North Coastal Andhra and Telangana regions and wishing to use the advantage to the hilt, Praja Rajyam managers are busy chalking out the third leg to cover Rayalaseema region from November 12.

Once party president K. Chiranjeevi returns from his Telangana tour late on Thursday night or on Friday morning, he will have just five days for a breather before he sets to cover a backward Rayalaseema. A five-night, six-day programme has been chalked out for PR president K. Chiranjeevi to cover Anantapur and Kadapa districts, starting from Kodikonda checkpost on the AP-Karnakata border and end at Kodur in Kadapa district.

It will start from the check-post on the inter-State border and wend its way through Hindupur, Madakasira, Penukonda, Dharmavaram, Kalyandrug, Rayadrug, Anantapur, Singanamala and Tadipatri in Anantapur district.

After entering Kadapa district, Mr. Chiranjeevi will address his first road-side meeting at Muddanur and the township around the Rayalaseema Thermal Power Plant (RTPP). His next call will be Pulivendula, Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy's constituency, in which the PR president is expected to spend at least eight to 10 hours on day five of his tour, before going on to cover Rajampet and wind it up at Kodur.With the number of 'disturbances', involving PR cadres and fans against lower-level cadres of other political parties on the rise, the party is leaving no stone unturned in ensuring smooth passage.

Proximate security has always been uppermost on the minds of Mr. Chiranjeevi's tour coordinators and an extraordinary security screen would be in place. Being handled by private guards, it is to be strengthened keeping in mind the Warangal incident where eggs were thrown at him.However, PR's core committee member, C. Anjaneya Reddy said he was writing to Superintendents of Police in Kadapa and Anantapur, seeking better crowd control measures.

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Chiranjeevi's Gandhigiri: Rose for an egg

For a moment, Telangana Rashtra Samiti leader K Chandrasekhar Rao may have thought it is Valentine's day. But no, activists of actor Chiranjeevi's Praja Rajyam party were doing Gandhigiri and KCR was their Boman Irani for the day.TRS activists had hurled eggs at Chiranjeevi during his roadshow in Warangal district last week.

Chiranjeevi who played the lead in 'Sankardada zindabad' -- the Telugu version of 'Lage Raho Munnabhai' -- is resorting to Gandhigiri in his political avatar as well."I am requesting my party workers not to pursue cases against the youth who threw eggs at me. I don't want their future to be spoilt," he said.But the TRS says Chiranjeevi is only resorting to gimmicks.

"He has come from the film world so he will behave like a filmstar. It is his wish. But films and politics are different," said TRS leader N Narasimha Reddy.Chiranjeevi has likened himself to Barack Obama, asking people to vote for change. And Gandhigiri is the actor's way to show he does not believe in an eye for an eye but instead it will be a rose for an egg.

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Chiranjeevi hits back at YSR

HYDERABAD: Praja Rajyam president K. Chiranjeevi on Friday said that unlike those who focussed on development in their native constituencies and districts, he was for all-round development because he had affinity for people across the State.

He was reacting sharply to criticism from Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy and his son Y. S. Jaganmohan Reddy in the recent past, asking what Mr. Chiranjeevi had done for Mogalturu, his native place in West Godavari district. Admitting that he could not spend long time in Mogalturu though he was born there, he said this was because his father was a government servant and posted elsewhere.

Interacting with presspersons on Friday morning after participating in a Children's Day programme at the party office on Road No. 5, Jubilee Hills, he avoided taking the name of the Chief Minister directly, but pointed out that he would not be like 'those leaders'.Mr. Chiranjeevi would enter Kadapa district and Pulivendula Assembly constituency via Tadpatri after completing his road shows in Anantapur district, on November 19.On Friday, he also named Katti Padma Rao as 'ideological spokesman' for the party.

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YSR, Chiranjeevi trade war of words

A war of words broke out between Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy and actor-turned-politician Chiranjeevi with each questioning the other's commitment to development.

In a strong reaction to Reddy's observation that the filmstar did little for his native village during the last 30 years, Chiranjeevi said on Friday that the Chief Minister has showered undue favours on his home constituency."It is well-known, how he (Rajasekhara Reddy) has concentrated on his village despite occupying the high position of Chief Minister. His conscience is aware of it," the matinee star said.

"I will definitely give a reply in an appropriate style and at an appropriate place and time," Chiranjeevi told reporters.Reddy had, on Thursday, noted that what the people of the state can expect from someone (Chiranjeevi) who has done nothing for his native village despite being a superstar.The Chief Minister said the film star has made millions of rupees in the last three decades but chose not to visit his native village.The war of words is expected to continue between the two as they are planning to tour in each-other's native villages.While Reddy would be holding a road show in Chiranjeevi's native village Mogalturu in West Godavari district, the megastar too has plans to visit the Chief Minister's home turf Pulivendala in Kadapa district.

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Jail for Praja Rajyam leader

KADAPA: Jammalamadugu magistrate Prasad sentenced Praja Rajyam leader Kovvuru Balachandra Reddy to two years imprisonment and ordered him to pay fine of Rs. 5,000 and to pay compensation of Rs. 1.50 lakh to the complainant Janardhana Reddy in a cheque bounce case.

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Stampede at Chiranjeevi's rally, 2 dead

Two persons were killed and nearly 15 injured in a stampede during a roadshow by actor-turned politician Chiranjeevi at Dharmavaram here on Monday.

A large number of people gathered at the NTR Circle in the town and jostled to get a glimpse of the superstar who was addressing a public meeting, leading to the stampede, police said.

Tajuddin, 42, fainted and died while being taken to hospital, while one Adinarayan suffered fatal injuries, they said.Fifteen others suffered minor injuries and were administered first aid.It was the second day of Chiranjeevi's roadshow in Ryalsema after he launched his Praja Rajyam party on August 26.

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Praja Rajyam leaders attacked in Pulivendula

KADAPA: Hours before Praja Rajyam president Chiranjeevi's arrival in Pulivendula for his Praja Ankita Yatra, unidentified miscreants attacked the party leaders at the Roads & Buildings guest house here on Tuesday night.

They damaged the cars of the party's district observer Kotagiri Vidyadhara Rao, Rayalaseema in-charge N.V. Prasad and former Minister B. Sobha Nagi Reddy.

The attack took place when Praja Rajyam leaders and activists called for a press conference at the guest house to deplore the action of some persons in tearing away their party flags and some flexiboards in Pulivendula. In all, six cars and an autorickshaw were damaged by stick-wielding youth, who later fled in a Tata Sumo.

The Praja Rajyam leaders and functionaries and mediapersons ran helter-skelter at the sudden attack.The miscreants manhandled the gunman of Sobha Nagi Reddy as she was entering the guest house.

About eight persons, including an autorickshaw driver, sustained injuries. Policemen present at the scene did not act.

Congress blamed: Condemning the attack, the Praja Rajyam leaders alleged that the Congress party engineered the attack in order to intimidate their party functionaries from turning up for Chiranjeevi's road show on Wednesday.

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Dharmavaram's gift to Chiru's mother

Weaver presents Chiru a silk sari who promises to present it to his mother as a gift from weavers

DHARMAVARAM: Monday's visit of Praja Rajyam party president Chiranjeevi to the weavers' town of Dharmavaram as part of his 'Praja Ankitha Yatra' in the district was not just an exercise of winning over the hearts of thousands by a party president, but it was also an opportunity for a son to fulfil his mother's decades old wish.

Chiranjeevi went down memory lane to his childhood days and turned emotional when a weaver presented him with a silk sari during the road show attended by a huge crowd by all standards in the town. "My visit to you has not only provided me an opportunity to meet you and win over your hearts as a politician but has also helped me fulfil my mother's decades-old wish," he told the cheering crowd.

He narrated that his mother wanted a Dharmavaram silk sari and asked his father to purchase one for her. But, as his father's income was meagre he convinced his mother that he could not afford to get one whenever his financial position allowed him so. As the time passed by, she had forgotten her wish and it remained unfulfilled till date. His mother did not asked for the sari in the later stages of their life, even when his father was in a position to buy one.

Chiranjeevi thanked the weaver who presented him with the silk sari and told the crowd that he would present it to his mother as a gift of weavers of Dharmavaram.

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PULIVENDULA: Notwithstanding the prevailing tension in the wake of violence here on Tuesday night, Praja Rajyam president Chiranjeevi drew huge crowds, comprising mainly youth and women, for his road show in this Assembly constituency represented by Chief Minister Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy.

Flag-waving youth showering flower petals on Mr. Chiranjeevi lustily cheered him all through his address, overshadowing the protest of the Congressmen, who waved a couple of black flags from atop a building at Poola Angallu circle, and earlier near the Sri Venkateswara temple.

Mr. Chiranjeevi twirled his moustache and struck his thigh on the crowd's request near the bus stand, to re-enact a scene from his popular film 'Indra'. He arrived in this town almost five hours behind schedule as the tyre of his vehicle got punctured as also due to his last minute decision to change the route because Congressmen planned to obstruct his convoy near Balapanur, the native village of the Chief Minister.

Mr. Chiranjeevi surprised his detractors in the Congress by showering praise on the Chief Minister for the development of Pulivendula. Promising to develop the entire State on the lines of Pulivendula if he gained power, he said with a tinge of sarcasm that the greenery all around, good roads, high-rise buildings and the development of the town, was inspiring. He made an indirect reference to the manner in which Praja Rajyam leaders were chased away on Tuesday when he said the State should have special economic zones (SEZs) and not 'special political zones' reserved for the entry of only some leaders.

'Passport and visa': Pulivendula was on the Telugu soil and should not have borders which some could not cross, he said. "Why the tension and mental stress to go to Pulivendula? The people's love was his passport and their affection his 'visa', he stated. Referring to his native village Mogalthur, he said his father, a constable, moved out on transfers when he was just a one-year-old boy. "I neither have relatives nor own properties or even a cent of land there."

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Chiranjeevi favours newcomers in politics

KADAPA: It is high time 'new blood' enters politics as newcomers with a clean record could alone bring about a desirable change for betterment of society, Praja Rajyam president K. Chiranjeevi asserted on Thursday

Mr. Chiranjeevi, who addressed meetings during his road show at Chapadu, Mydukur, Khajipet and Chennur on the second day of his 'Praja Ankita Yatra' in Kadapa district, maintained that a 'real change' would improve the lives of the common man and the middle class. His roadshow drew impressive crowds despite being at least four hours behind schedule.

Reiterating his resolve to root out 'political corruption', which jeopardised societal interests, he called upon people to welcome a change for setting up a new order. Development should not be confined to a particular place, he stressed. He was a determined soldier and people were backing him; both could build a progressive society. This goal could be reached only when welfare schemes reached every household.

The party's policies would be pro-farmer, he said.

Referring to Krishnapuram (KP) onions, a pungent variety which has large export potential and is grown in vast extents in Mydukur, he assured to give a fillip to export if his party was elected to power.

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Chiru alleges plot to delete fans' votes

KADAPA: Praja Rajyam president Chiranjeevi called upon people on Friday to be vigilant as a plot was being hatched to delete the votes of his fans and supporters.

Addressing people at Bhakrapet in Siddhavatam mandal and Vontimitta in Rajampet mandal, he asked the people to ensure that they enrolled themselves as voters, as "vote was their weapon" to decide their future.

"I attained stardom and have the means to lead a comfortable life, but a desire lingered in my mind to serve people and hence I entered politics on the people's invitation."

Speaking at Nandalur, he promised to ensure the revival of Allwyn refrigeration unit which was closed down about a decade ago, in order to generate employment for youth. Chiranjeevi reiterated his resolve to end corruption and asked the people to gear up to end the scourge. Corruption which is detrimental to the interests of society should be weeded out. Chiranjeevi's three-day tour of Kadapa district ended in the night with a road show at Railway Kodur.

Earlier, on Thursday, Mr. Chiranjeevi said that his party was not against irrigation projects, but was only opposed to corruption, irregularities and lack of quality in project works.

"Irrigation projects are very much needed and none disputes it, but we do not want poorly built projects that lack quality," he said while addressing a series of roadside meetings in Kadapa city. He also cited the collapse of a Pothireddipadu vent.

Stating that he had never opposed projects, he alleged that some political leaders were "putting words in my mouth".

Mid-day meals
Questioning non-implementation of a G.O. issued to extend the mid-day meals scheme in madarasas, he demanded the government and official machinery to implement the scheme in all madarasas.

He visited Ameen Peer Dargah, popularly known as Pedda Dargah, in Kadapa on Friday and offered prayers.

Sporting a white cap and donning a green-coloured scarf around his neck, Chiranjeevi carried a 'chaadar' and flowers on his head and placed them on the tomb of Hazrath Peerullah Malik. Chiranjeevi took the blessings of Dargah Peethadhipathi Arifullah Hussaini.

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Hyderabad: Praja Rajyam chief Chiranjeevi, who is scouting for heavyweights from the BC communities, has begun working on Mr T. Devender Goud to merge his outfit with the party. Chiranjeevi's brother-in-law Allu Aravind had been holding discussions with Mr Goud to merge his Nava Telangana Party with the PR, according to a source close to Mr Goud It is learnt that Mr Goud will take a decision after the Congress high command decides on Telangana. Mr Goud, however, said there was no chance of merging his party with the PR.

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Chiru's Seema tour ends

Rajampet (Kadapa): The six-day Praja Ankita Yatra of the Praja Rajyam (PR) president, Chiranjeevi, concluded in Rayalaseema at Railwaykodur in Kadapa district on Friday.  With this, Chiranjeevi completed his first phase of tour in the state. The PR is likely to gauge its strength as the yatra has finished going around Andhra, Telangana and Rayalaseema regions.

As several people attended the yatra in Rayalaseema, the Congress and the Telugu Desam (TD) leaders feel that they should not underestimate the PR.  The PR activists are confident as Chiranjeevi's tour of 16 Assembly constituencies and four Lok Sabha constituencies in Rayalaseema was well received. Earlier, all the parties felt that the PR was strong only in north coastal Andhra.

Chiranjeevi depended on his movie glamour during his tour in Rayalaseema. In almost all his meetings, the PR chief mentioned about his movie Indra which was produced in the backdrop of Rayalaseema factions.  When compared to his tour in north coastal Andhra and Telangana regions, Chiranjeevi was less critical of the government in Rayalaseema. He mentioned about corruption and factionism in the region.

However, Chiranjeevi's speeches failed to enthuse the people. Barring his fans, others said his speeches were lacklustre.  Out of 16 Assembly constituencies Chiranjeevi toured in Kadapa and Anantapur districts, Congress MLAs represent 13 constituencies and the TD MLAs represent the remaining three constituencies.

The PR chief mainly targeted the Congress in his speeches. During his three-day in Anantapur district, there was good response for Chiranjeevi's roadshows in the first two days and the response in the last day was lukewarm. In Chiranjeevi's three-day tour in the Kadapa district, the Congress and the PR activists clashed in Pulivendula, the constituency of the Chief Minister, Dr Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy, on the first day. His meeting in Pulivendula became a success. People thronged his meetings on the second and final day of his tour in the Kadapa district.

The response to Chiranjeevi's roadshows in Penukonda, Hindupur and Dharmavaram constituencies, represented by the TD MLAs, in the Anantapur district was good. However, the response to his tour in Singanamala, Gooty and Tadipatri constituencies, represented by the Congress MLAs, in the Anantapur district was lukewarm.

In Kadapa district, the response to Chiranjeevi's tour in Proddutur, Mydukur, Kadapa and Rajampet constituencies was good. Except Badvel and Rayachoti, Chiranjeevi toured all constituencies in the district.

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Praja Rajyam weighs its options on alliances


Nava Telangana Party close to clinching a possible electoral alliance

HYDERABAD: With the left parties almost inking their pact with the Telugu Desam Party, the core committee of Praja Rajyam is busy weighing its option in choosing its ally in the run up to the next elections a few months away.

On record though, spokesman Parakala Prabhakar reiterated that given the 'stupendous' response from the people to party president K. Chiranjeevi's 'Praja Ankita Yatra', they were in favour of going to the hustings alone.
'Too early'

When asked about national-level leaders meeting Mr. Chiranjeevi or party general secretary Allu Aravind, he said it was too early for anyone to forge alliances.

"When senior leaders of other political leaders come here and convey their wish to meet our president and other seniors, courtesy demands that we meet. And when they come up with expressions of interest about political alliances, we cannot reject them outright," he said, in response to a question referring to Mr. Aravind meeting CPI general secretary A.B. Bardhan when the latter was in the city on Saturday. Meanwhile, the CPI State secretary K. Narayana still does not rule out the possibility of an alliance with them. While talk about Praja Rajyam shaking hands with Telangana Rashtra Samiti still hangs in balance, it is reliably understood that Nava Telangana Party president T. Devender Goud is close to clinching a possible electoral alliance.

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HYDERABAD: Call it fast-disappearing dividing line between reel and real life or lowering the bar of public discourse, seasoned politicians and thespians seem to relish swapping of roles, hurling challenges and daring each other.

When Praja Rajyam president Chiranjeevi re-enacted a scene from his film Indra in Kadapa recently by twirling his moustache and slapping his thigh in jest, he would not have imagined that it would raise a political ruckus. After all, it was for the benefit of his film-crazy fans and not to challenge his political rivals.

Hardcore nit-picking politicians scrutinising Chiranjeevi's every move and with the setting being in faction-ridden Kadapa, lost no opportunity to pounce on him. How dare a political greenhorn enact such a scene on the home turf of a senior politician ? The film star's famous comment asking people of Pulivendula if he required a passport or a visa to visit the place, delivered the final punch, bruising ego of many a politician of the region.

Political culture
No surprise, Chief Minister Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy picked up the gauntlet at Anakapalle and paid him in the same coin.

Making it clear that politics was not as easy as playing out a role in films, he asserted that Mr. Chiranjeevi's action reflected his political culture and the change he wanted to usher in. He went on to give a flying kiss to the crowds that could have left Mr. Chiranjeevi blushing.

Even as women's wing of the AP Congress Committee took exception to Mr. Chiranjeevi's action, TDP leaders seemed lost. "We are caught between flying kisses and the twirling of moustache and slapping of thighs. We do not know what else is in store and who is playing the filmi role and who the real one."

Referring to the presentation of roses and eggs by PR cadre, the TDP leaders wondered why they could not do the same and distribute black money.

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Chiranjeevi's poser to YSR

HYDERABAD: Praja Rajyam president K. Chiranjeevi on Monday dared Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy to spell out what he did for his birthplace Balapanur in Kadapa district.

At a press conference to announce the entry of former Union Minister P. Upendra into the PR, he wondered why Dr. Reddy was repeatedly criticising him and asking him what he had done for Mogalturu, his (Chiranjeevi's) native village.

"Dr. Reddy was born in Balapanur, but migrated to Pulivendula. He may have developed Pulivendula, but if I ask him to say what he has done for his native place, what will he reply?", he asked.

Given the PR president's obsession with 'Gandhigiri' and decency, decorum and etiquette in politics, this is the first time he has directly taken the name of the Chief Minister, that too, after he has been repeatedly criticised on several occasions.

Referring specifically to the flak he got for twirling his moustache and slapping his thigh like he did in the superhit movie 'Indra' in Kadapa district, Mr. Chiranjeevi said these actions were signs of a man's 'pourusham' (courage) but not 'rowdyism or goondaism'. He recalled that Mahatma Gandhi had a lot of 'pourusham'.

The PR president also defended the party welcoming seniors into its fold, saying they were joining hands not with any aspirations for a position or power but only expressing their concern for the poor and deprived sections .

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Praja Rajyam questions Left's 'integrity'

HYDERABAD: Piqued by the action of the Left parties in deciding to sail with the Telugu Desam Party, the Praja Rajyam has gone into overdrive, hitting back at the history of the Left parties' political performance the past decade and a half.

Praja Rajyam spokesman P. Mitra said on Tuesday his party did not see any reason why they should still discuss the possibility of alliances with the Left after they had cleared the air on the issue.

He hurled a volley of questions ranging from how they had tied up with a party whose leader had ordered a firing on poor people protesting the rise in power charges, killing three persons and even going onto deny medical treatment to the injured.