Chiranjeevi may launch party in third week of August

Hyderabad, July 29 (IANS) Telugu film star Chiranjeevi is likely to launch his much-awaited political party in the third week of August.

Talking to a few journalists Tuesday evening, the actor hinted that the party would be launched in the third week of next month.

This was the first time Chiranjeevi himself spoke about the proposed party. His brother Nagababu and brother-in-law Allu Arvind earlier stated the new party would be launched in August and that the actor himself would make an announcement in this regard.

However, the suspense continues on the exact date of the launch as the actor refused to divulge the details. The launch is likely to happen Aug 22, his birthday.

Chiranjeevi also told the newspersons that he would soon convene a press conference to formally announce his plans.

He said the new party would hold its first public meeting in temple town of Tirupati. He also promised to give priority to the youth in his party.

Speculations about Chiranjeevi taking a plunge in politics were doing round since last year. His close aides revealed the plans, triggering enthusiasm among millions of his fans across the state.

The actor's aides including his brother-in-law Allu Arvind were quietly working behind the scenes to prepare the ground for the party. As part of this exercise, they held several meetings of students, women, trade unions and other sections of society during the last few weeks.

Chiranjeevi, 53, has been dominating the Telugu film industry for over two decades. One of the highest paid actors in India, he has a massive fan following across the state.

Over the last few years, the actor has focused on social services, especially blood donation.

His proposed foray into politics is being compared with that of thespian N.T. Rama Rao, who floated Telugu Desam Party (TDP) in 1982 and created a record of sorts by coming to power within nine months.