Chiranjeevi to launch political party in August

Hyderabad, June 15 (IANS) In a move that is bound to change the political equations in Andhra pradesh, Telugu superstar Chiranjeevi will launch his party in August, his brother said Sunday.

Actor and producer K. Nagendra Babu told reporters in Prakasam that his brother himself would make an announcement.

"It is already decided that Chiranjeevi will enter politics. He will make an announcement in August," he said.

Nagendra Babu, also known as Nagababu, said various sections of people have been demanding that Chiranjeevi enter politics. "He will definitely respond to their appeals," he said.

Nagababu said the problems faced by people would be on the party's agenda and it would strive to address the problems faced by farmers and workers. He also said the fans of the superstar would have a key role in party formation.

Hinting that the proposed party would oppose separate statehood to Telangana region, Nagababu remarked that some people were continuing the divide-and-rule policy of the British rulers.

Chiranjeevi's brother-in-law and filmmaker Allu Arvind had said last month that the actor was likely to launch the party Aug 22, his birthday.

The actor's close confidante and advisor made the statement when a trade union formed in the name of Chiranjeevi took out a rally and appealed to the actor to announce his entry into politics.

Meanwhile, Chiranjeevi's fans took out motorcycle rallies in this state capital and districts while women fans also held meetings, appealing to the actor to make an early announcement.

Holding the actor's pictures, hundreds of fans took part in the motorcycle rally, which passed through different parts of Hyderabad before reaching the family's film office in upmarket Jubilee Hills.

Earlier, the rally was stopped by police at two places in view of the prohibitory orders in parts of the city. The rally was diverted through a different route, causing tension for some time.

Speculations were on for several months that Chiranjeevi, 53, would launch a political party. In November last year, his fans held meetings in different parts of the state to urge him to make an early announcement.

The actor, however, appealed to his fans to be patient till he makes an announcement. He later said he needed more time to take a decision.

During last few weeks, Chiranjeevi's aides held meetings with women, IT professionals and other sections at different places in the state.

Chiru, as Chiranjeevi is popularly known, is dominating the Telugu film industry for over two decades. One of the highest paid actors in India, Chiru has a massive fan following across the state.

Over the last few years, the actor was focusing on social services, especially blood donation.

Following the speculation about his political plunge, people are drawing a parallel with thespian N.T. Rama Rao's political entry in 1982. He had come to power within nine months after launching the Telugu Desam Party (TDP).

Assembly and Lok Sabha elections in the state are scheduled to be held in April next year.