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.