Chiranjeevi's fans in Telangana vow to protect his interests

Hyderabad, Sep 21 (IANS) With the films of actor-turned-politician K. Chiranjeevi and his family members facing a boycott from Telangana activists, his die-hard fans in the region Tuesday formed a group to protect his interests.

The fans of the Praja Rajyam Party (PRP) president met in Hyderabad and formed a 'Chiru Force' to counter pro-Telangana groups who have been disrupting the screening of films of Chiranjeevi, his son Ramcharan Teja and brother Pavan Kalyan for their opposition to the demand for a separate state of Telangana.

The presidents of Chiranjeevi Fans' Association from all 10 districts of Telangana made it clear that they would not tolerate any disruption of the screening of his films.

The members of the 'Chiru Force' said since Chiranjeevi entered politics on their demand and had been raising the issues of people, it was their responsibility to protect him and his family members.

They also pointed out that people of Telangana were the biggest beneficiaries of the Chiranjeevi Blood Bank.

The group said it was ready even for a confrontation on the issue. Osmania University students' joint action committee (JAC) was quick to hit back.

The JAC leaders said they would disrupt the screening of Chiranjeevi's movies at any cost. They warned that the 'Chiru Force' would be responsible for the consequences.

The superstar is facing the ire of Telangana groups since early this year for taking a U-turn on Telangana statehood issue. Both legislators of his party in Telangana quit the party in protest.

Chiranjeevi has not visited Telangana since then. The Telangana statehood supporters have decided to stop him from visiting the region. The superstar, however, recently said he would soon undertake a visit to Telangana.