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Telugu star Chiranjeevi takes the political plunge
Andhra Pradesh politics took a glamorous turn on Monday with Telugu superstar Chiranjeevi beginning his much-awaited political journey by inaugurating the office of his party. He will formally launch the party later this month.
- IANS
- Published: 23:22 August 11, 2008
Hyderabad: Andhra Pradesh politics took a glamorous turn on Monday with Telugu superstar Chiranjeevi beginning his much-awaited political journey by inaugurating the office of his party. He will formally launch the party later this month.
Chiranjeevi told reporters he would launch the party "before the end of this month" and would make an announcement "in a couple of days".
The actor, who had so far confined himself to social service, is launching his party when the state is gearing up for the elections scheduled early next year.
Upmarket location
The posh office built in the upmarket Jubilee Hills neighbourhood was inaugurated by the actor late Sunday night in the presence of his family members, close aides and two rebel leaders of the ruling Congress party and the main opposition Telugu Desam Party (TDP).
Amid chanting of Vedic hymns by priests, the office was opened at 12.50 am local time yesterday, as per the muhuratam (auspicious time) set by astrologers. The family performed special prayers to seek divine blessings. The function was held in secret and the media was not invited.
However, as word spread about the actor's arrival, a large number of his fans and media persons gathered outside.
Jubilant fans raised slogans and expressed their confidence that their hero would be the next chief minister.
The actor's mother Anjana Devi, wife Surekha, brothers Nagendra Babu and Pavan Kalyan, son Ravicharan Teja, brother-in-law and key adviser Allu Arvind and close aides Mitra and K.S.R. Murthy were present.
Rebel Congress MP Hariram Jogaiah and former minister K. Vidyadhar Rao, who was expelled from the TDP recently, also attended the function. Jogaiah and Rao earned the ire of their leadership by openly supporting Chiranjeevi.
Talking to newsmen, Chiranjeevi defended conducting the function in a secret manner, saying it was done as per Hindu traditions.
"Now, nothing will remain secret," declared the actor, who has been ruling the Telugu film industry for over two decades.
"The party will be launched before the end of this month. We will announce the date, venue, party name in a couple of days," Chiranjeevi said.
"I know the people's pulse - they are waiting for me to announce the launch of my party."
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