Chiranjeevi launched his political party 'Praja Rajyam'

Actor Chiranjeevi on Tuesday announced the name of his political party, Praja Rajyam, amidst thunderous cheers from lakhs of hysteric fans and vowed to change the politics of Andhra Pradesh.

Giving full play to histrionics, Chiranjeevi, the son of a police constable, recounted the difficulties he had faced as a child in an emotion-choked voice and charged up the crowd in the temple town with a few interactions before announcing the name of his party with a dramatic countdown.

In fact, Chiranjeevi waited till sundown to announce his party’s name and stretched his speech till then, so that the display on the giant screen behind him and 18 screens located at the ground would be eye catching.

As the name of the party was splashed on the huge screens to the accompaniment of music, the 53-year old actor got a handicapped person to unfurl a green and white flag with a red sun in the middle.

Chiranjeevi's 'Praja Rajyam' flag

The roaring crowds surged ahead, breaking barricades and alarming security men, even as Chiranjeevi declared that he was entering politics to ensure social justice and development. Around 40 persons were injured in the melee.

“People want me to join politics,” said Chiranjeevi, who earlier entered the stage dramatically with his arms stretched wide.

“I am here to restore respect to politics. After spending 30 years in the glamorous world of films, I could have lived a cosy life. But I decided to be in your midst.” “How blessed are my eyes to see these crowds who love me,” said Chiranjeevi, as people roared in appreciation.

“I am overwhelmed by your support. Now it is time for me to give it back.” The actor in Chiranjeevi was in play throughout the speech, which was carefully crafted and touched upon all major issues though giving the appearance of spontaneity.

“Mine will be a democratic and secular party, born from the hearts of the people,” he said. “Its goal will be the contentment and happiness of the state.” Though high on rhetoric, the actor’s speech was devoid of courage or imagination when it came to crucial issues. He said he was not averse to a separate Telangana but added that his first priority would be trying to end the backwardness of the region. He also sought more “brainstorming” to solve the Maoist problem and said the issue of backward status to Kapus should be examined thoroughly.

However, Chiranjeevi vigorously opposed the concept of Special Economic Zones and said land was meant for cultivation.

“My top priority would be to make agriculture viable,” he said. “Even a soap manufacturer can decide the price of his product, but not a farmer.” The actor said that only at few people were cornering all benefits in societies and major communities were being denied opportunities and added that he would put an end to that. He said he was also aware of the plight of the middle classes who did not get the benefits of any scheme.

“They can neither send their kids to government schools nor pay huge fee at corporate schools,” he said.

Taking a subtle swipe at other political parties, Chiranjeevi said that his party had no rivals. “Problems are our rivals.

We have entered the battlefield but our battle is against problems,” he said.

Chiranjeevi inaugurated his party office in Hyderabad

Superstar Chiranjeevi added to the intrigue surrounding his political entry by inaugurating the headquarters of his proposed party in relative secrecy in the dead of the night.

The actor’s penchant for building up suspense about his plans and his secretive ways are getting on the nerves of senior leaders who quit other parties to follow him.

Keeping the script under wraps may be good in tinsel town, but does not really impress those in the political arena, where going public is the name of the game. Chiranjeevi inaugurated his party office on Road No. 46 of Jubilee Hills here in a discreet manner at 00.55 am on Monday. It was a totally family affair.

Even his fans were not aware of the programme 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 and Pawan Kalyan and son Ravi Charan Teja. Brother-in-law Allu Arvind and close aides Dr Mitra and K.S.R. Murthy were also present at the ceremony.

The Congress MP, Mr Ch. Harirama Jogaiah, and the former TD leader, Mr K. Vidyadhara Rao, were bystanders. Mr Jogaiah said he would quit the Congress on August 17. Even after opening the party office, the superstar was not willing to reveal anything about the date of launch of his party, its name and agenda. The only thing he was ready to disclose was that he was entering politics. “I will announce the new political outfit in a week and place before the people its name, shape and agenda,” was all that he said.

Apparently, the actor has not revealed anything to the senior leaders who defected from other parties either. “Chiranjeevi is keeping his cards close to his chest,” said a senior leader. “Though we meet him often, he doesn’t discuss his political plans with us. Everyone is kept in the dark.” Meanwhile, the Chiranjeevi camp intensified its efforts to pull in more prospective leaders from the Congress and the Telugu Desam.
The actor also asked his followers and fans to take part in the relief and rehabilitation measures in flood hit areas across the state. Sources said Chiranjeevi will be performing a two day Chandi Homam at Goddess Kamakshi temple in Kancheepuram near Chennai on August 21 and 22.