Chiranjeevi launches Praja Rajyam, vows to change Andhra politics

Tirupati, Aug 26 (IANS) Telugu superstar Chiranjeevi Tuesday launched his long-awaited political party (People's Rule) and vowed to bring a change in Andhra Pradesh's politics as he took the temple town of Tirupati by storm with a mega rally attended by some one million frenzied supporters.

"It will be a democratic and secular party. It will be a people's party, born from the hearts of the people. It will be a party for backward classes, farmers, workers, women and youth," he said amid wild cheering from a mainly male gathering drawn from all over Andhra Pradesh.

"The party will work for development, modernisation and industrial revolution. Its goal will be 'santosh' and 'ananda' (contentment and happiness) Andhra Pradesh," he said, speaking in Telugu.

"I know your problems, pains and sufferings and will always stand by you," he said, while taking the oath in the name of Lord Venkateshwara to dedicate his life to serve the people.

Broadly outlining the policies of his eagerly awaited party, he said that eliminating poverty, ensuring social equality, rooting out corruption, development of villages on par with urban areas, and providing health and education to all would top the agenda.

During the two-hour mega show, the 53-year-old actor said he favoured prohibition but added that his party would take a final decision only after detailed deliberations.

He termed as 'social' the problem of Maoist violence and promised to respect the sentiments for a separate statehood for the Telangana region.

"After spending 30 years in the glamorous field, I could have lived a life for myself. I have all the comforts in life but I decided to be in your midst by responding to your appeal," said Chiranjeevi, who announced his decision to join politics Aug 17.

"I am overwhelmed by your support all these years. Now it is time for me to pay back and be in your midst to share your sufferings," said Churu, as he is fondly called, amid thunderous applause.

Chiru, who declared that he had no rivals in politics, took a swipe at the ruling Congress for selling government land to industries and for acquiring cultivable land for Special Economic Zones (SEZs).

"We have no rivals. Problems are our rivals. We have no rivals because we have no fear and greed. We have entered the battlefield but our battle is against problems. Courage and honesty are our two weapons. We have no leader. All are soldiers. I am also one among you," he said.