The stage is set for the Praja Rajyam to announce a pro-Telangana stance. Unlike the yesteryear matinee idol N.T. Rama Rao who preferred unity among Telugus, the actor-turned-politician Chiranjeevi will go for bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh. As the Telugu Desam has started deliberations on what stand it should adopt on Telangana by seeking the opinion of its leaders, the newly launched Praja Rajyam has reportedly made up its mind favouring a separate Telangana.

Chiranjeevi is now busy in formulating policies on contentious issue like separate Telangana, categorisation of Scheduled Castes, Naxalism and the World Bank. The actor-turned-politician decided to unveil his party policies on major issues in the state before his roadshow began.

Chiranjeevi has already dropped enough hints that he was not against separate Telangana. "If people strongly believe that separation is the only solution for Telangana issue, our party will extend its support in smooth division of the state," he had said at the Tirupati meeting. According to sources, Chiranjeevi has decided to further clarify on Telangana by announcing a categorical support for a separate state.

Since Chiranjeevi does not have much influence among people in Telangana region when compared to Andhra and Rayalaseema, adopting a pro-Telangana approach will definitely give him an edge over his political rivals. That is why he is reportedly for Telangana. "With many parties in the fray there will be a multi-cornered contest during the coming elections in Telangana. Chiranjeevi feels that an alliance with like minded parties in Telangana is essential in order to avoid a split in anti-establishment vote," party insiders said.

Though the Praja Rajyam leaders have reportedly come to a decision over the Telangana issue, they are yet to decide on what stand it should adopt on categorisation of SCs and the World Bank. "All these issues are very sensitive. We have been scientifically evaluating them. Very soon we will come out with a clear stand on those issues," a leader who has been participating in the meetings said. - DC