The Hindu Business Line : Chiranjeevi launching political party

Ending months of speculation, Chiranjeevi, popular Telugu film actor, has announced launching of a political party. The name and agenda of the party would be announced at a public meeting at Tirupathi on August 26.

This was the first time that Chiranjeevi himself made an announcement, while his actor-brothers (Pawan Kalyan and Nagendra Babu) and brother-in-law Mr Allu Arvind all along indicated of his likely foray into politics.

Addressing a press conference here on Sunday at the party office in Jubilee Hills, he said it would be a ‘historical blunder’ if he failed to enter politics, keeping in view the expectations from various quarters.

Going by the demands from the people from across the State, he said it seemed they were looking for a change. “The present leaders lacked sensitivity to the problems being faced by the poor,” he said.

Huge crowds gathered outside the party office from the city and neighbouring districts on hearing the news that he was going to address the press conference.

The 53-year-old actor, however, evaded questions on crucial issues such as Maoists and Telangana. “They are very sensitive issues. We need to discuss such issues within the party and intellectuals,” he said.

He also chose not to make any comments on both the ruling Congress Party and the Telugu Desam Party. Asked who his opponents were, he said “political parties are not my opponents. It is hunger and poverty – these are my opponents,” he added.

Asked if there was political vacuum in the State, he said, “There must be some vacuum in society. Otherwise, you would not have seen so many rallies, asking me to enter into politics,” he observed.

“I’ve earned enough money and popularity in my three-decade long film career. Those things didn’t tempt me to join politics. I want to serve the people. I dedicate rest of my life to the people,” he said.

“I’m not saying that the present political situation in the State was bad. But the fruits of development are not percolating down to the poor. The poor are becoming poorer and the rich richer. They are expecting a better life. I will attempt to do that,” he pointed out.

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Chiranjeevi launching political party