Senior leader Ch V Harirama Jogaiah went to Shiv Shankar's residence and accompanied him to the PRP office this morning. Later, Chiranjeevi invited the former Union minister to join PRP. Meanwhile, another Congress leader P Upendra is also expected to join the PRP in a couple of days. Talking to TOI over phone from Vijayawada, Updendra confirmed receiving an invitation from Chiranjeevi to join PRP. He said he would likely to announce the date of his joining PRP on Monday.

Shiv Shankar, who held key positions during the days of India Gandhi, has been unhappy with the present Congress leadership both at the Centre and state ever since he was denied the party ticket in the 2004 elections. Admitting the backward leader from the Munnuru Kapu community from Telangana into the party, Chiranjeevi said the vast experience of Shiv Shankar would help the fledgling Prajarajyam Party greatly. The veteran Congress leader's entry would boost the profile of PRP, Chiranjeevi hoped.

Shiv Shankar criticised AICC president Sonia Gandhi for `throwing' to the winds the values enunciated by Nehru, Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi. "She has no morals, both ethical and political. Money spinning has become the principal activity of the Congress," he said.