Praja Rajyam Party is under the impression that it would be better for his party if as many leaders from the other parties as possible defect into his camp.

Already, all kind of riffraff elements are joining Praja Rajyam, leave alone leaders like Kotagiri Vidyadhara Rao, Bhuma Nagi Reddy and now Tammineni Sitaram. All these leaders would make the party top heavy and they would start dictating their terms to Chiru in the long run, while genuine workers, who have been preparing the base for the party, would feel neglected and ignored. Gradually, this leads to disenchantment and disgruntlement among the cadres.

Those who have migrated from other parties and do not get tickets would resort to betrayal at the field level. Finally, Chiranjeevi's party would become yet another Telugu Desam, without discipline and moral values. So, be selective while admitting these so-called leaders. Make an in-depth study of their credentials before taking a decision on admitting them into PRP. Beware, Chiru!

Megastar Chiranjeevi may have gone ahead and started his political party and made the relevant announcements but then it appears that the initial warnings that were given by the many astrologers and planet readers seems to be working on him now.

Apparently, many learned folks predicted that since Chiru's current position is being ruled by Saturn or 'Sani' he would not have mental peace. According to the science of astrology, the planet happens to be a very difficult one to please and it gives a real hard time to those who fall under its spell. 'Sasa Yoga' occurred for Chiranjeevi due to exalted Sani brings glory only after hardships and ordeals.

This is going to be a clash of Chiru's will against the usually accurate astrological predictions and it is only a matter of time before we know the truth. For now, the stakes stand at Congress retaining its power and Chiru to take over after the coming term. Let us wait and see who gets to be the winner in this critical situation.

Praja Rajyam chief Chiranjeevi has landed in a controversy with a couple alleging that he had played a role in forcing their daughter to marry the son of the Dalit poet, Katti Padma Rao. The actor’s aides said he had only attended the marriage as a guest. Mr Subba Rao and Mrs Vani of T. Gokavaram village in West Godavari district, told mediapersons that their daughter Nalini was abducted and brought to the city. The couple said they came to the city after getting a phone call from their daughter informing that she was in the poet’s house in Erramanzil Colony.

When they met Mr Padma Rao, he suggested that Nandini be allowed to marry his son Chetan as they were both majors. The parents did not approve of this and insisted on speaking to the girl. “We came to know that marriage was performed with the blessings of Chiranjeevi,” said Mr Subba Rao. The shocked parents rushed to the office of Praja Rajyam. “The people there sent us away saying they had no information about the girl,” said Ms Vani Rao. “Chiranjeevi not only attended the marriage at Film Nagar Club in Jubilee Hills but announced that he would adopt the girl.”

She said Chiranjeevi, who was upset by his own daughter’s elopement, should have talked to them. The couple threatened to hold a dharna and a hunger strike before the party office if Chiranjeevi did not hand over their daughter in the next 24 hours. “We are not opposed to our daughter’s wishes but we believe she was forced to marry,” said Ms Vani Rao. “Chiranjeevi, who spoke so much about his mother, should have understood our agony.” Mr Padma Rao denied that Nalini was forced and added that the actor had no role in the marriage. “Her parents are against the inter-caste marriage though we asked them to consider the children’s love for each other,” he said. The PR spokesperson, Mr P. Prabhakar, said Chiranjeevi had not promised to adopt the girl. “He just attended the marriage as a guest,” he said.

The Praja Rajyam on Thursday declared that it would not enter into alliances with any party and presented itself as the only alternative to the Congress.
Speaking to the media after the TD leader, Mr Tammineni Sitaram joined the party, the Praja Rajyam spokespersons, Dr P. Mitra and Mr Parakala Prabhakar, termed the ruling party as “anti-people” and said the people were eagerly waiting to dethrone the government.

“Praja Rajyam is the only alternative force to the Congress in the state. It is the only party which can defeat the Congress in the elections,” Mr Prabhakar said. Asked about the Telugu Desam, Mr Prabhakar said, “It’s fate will be decided by the people. We reiterate that henceforth the PR is the only alternative to the Congress. We are sure we will win hands down.”

“Especially in the Godavari districts, every candidate of ours will emerge victorious with a majority of 20,000 votes,” he said. “Our party will get not only the anti-establishment vote but also deal a severe blow to the traditional vote bank of the Congress.”

The spokespersons attributed the shortage in fertilisers to the lackadaisical attitude of the government and threatened to take up an agitation if the problem was not addressed immediately.

Reacting to the CPI(M) leadership’s invitation to the Praja Rajyam to join the “grand alliance” in order to avoid split in the anti-establishment vote, Mr Prabhakar said, “We are not interested in joining any front. Our aim is to win every vote in across the state.”

Earlier, Mr T. Sitaram, the former minister and the TD leader from Srikakulam district, pledged his support to Chiranjeevi’s party. He submitted his resignation to the Telugu Desam and reached the PR central office along with his followers. He joined the party in the presence of Chiranjeevi.

Mr Sitaram alleged that his former boss, Mr N. Chandrababu Naidu, was acting under the guidance of “selfish and corrupt leaders” in the party like Mr K. Yerrannaidu. “The Telugu Desam chief is now a puppet in the hands of anarchists. I told him several times to mend his ways. If he still continues to follow the directions of those elements, nobody can save the TD,” Mr Sitaram said.

It is an art perfected by numerous film stars. When a movie shows signs of bombing at the box office, hordes of fans are driven into the theatre to give the impression that it is drawing big crowds. Sometimes it works. There are now suspicions that the film star-turned-politician Chiranjeevi is trying the same trick to create a feeling that people are falling over each other to join his Praja Rajyam.

For the last two days, there has been a seemingly orchestrated melee at the PR headquarters Jubilee Hills to compensate for the lull which followed the actor’s grandiose launch of the new party. Hundreds of people (mostly Chiru fans) have been jostling and thronging the office. On Friday they "overacted" and gatecrashed into the office, causing utter chaos. The security personnel also got overenthusiastic and manhandled mediapersons, injuring a cameraman of a TV channel and provoking a dharna by journalists.

It all started when Chiranjeevi arrived in the morning to participate in the Teachers’ Day celebrations at the party office. As soon as he arrived, a horde of fans rushed headlong into the office. They broke the gates and security men ran this way and that. Chiranjeevi’s actor-brother, Pavan Kalyan, finally jumped up the compound wall of the office in filmy style to control the crowd.

Political analysts felt the near-stampede was staged to create a stir since the party office has been wearing a deserted look since the matinee idol’s political entry on August 17. Only fans were present at the office and no prominent political leader was seen. There was also no rush when seasoned politicians such as Mr Bhuma Nagi Reddy and Mr Kotagiri Vidyadhara Rao joined the party.

The chaos at PR office, however, saw to it that commuters passing through the thoroughfare in front of it were caught in a traffic snarl. Meanwhile, the PR leadership announced that Chiranjeevi would henceforth receive fans and party followers at Image Gardens in Madhapur and not at the party office.

Nalini, the woman at the centre of a row over her inter-caste marriage, on Friday spoke out in support of the Praja Rajyam chief, Chiranjeevi. Nalini’s parents had alleged that the actor had forced their daughter to marry Chetan, the son of a well-known poet, K. Padma Rao.

"I am an adult and am allowed by law to make my own decisions. I got married on my own accord. Sir (Chiranjeevi) graced the wedding and came there to bless us," she said. Ms Nalini said that she had not told her parents — Mr Subba Rao and Ms Mani Rao — about the marriage since they had reservations about the boy.

"I got married to him without the knowledge of my parents. Chiranjeevi sir had no role to play. He was present as a well-wisher and guardian," she said. Earlier, the girl’s parents had appealed to the home minister, Mr K. Jana Reddy, and the Telugu Desam president, Mr N. Chandrababu Naidu, for help. Mr Jana Reddy advised the couple to file a police complaint and seek production of their daughter.

Colours: White, Green and Red

SUN Symbol describes - Shining to the People
SUN Rays around the SUN - Will hit to the People's need
Green - States that States greenery
White - Describes about the Honesty

Prajarajyam Party Flag details

The Telugu Desam and the Praja Rajyam are trying to lure the TRS to have a electoral alliance with them. This was disclosed by the TRS MP, Mr B. Vinod on Tuesday. He said that leaders of these parties were in touch with TRS leaders and had “unofficial” discussion on an alliance. Even though both these parties have not taken a stand on Telangana publicly, they wanted to assure the TRS that they will not oppose the formation of a separate state. They do not want to come out in support of Telangana fearing a backlash in coastal Andhra and Rayalseema regions. “We want unconditional support for Telangana. Riders like ‘if necessary’ or ‘if people wanted’ should not be there. They must come out clear and accept the people sentiment. Then we don’t have any objection to go with them,” Mr Vinod said.

Like his movies, Chiranjeevi appears to be having more mass appeal than class appeal — read political class — even with his party Prajarajyam. More commoners and professionals are heading to his party office than professional politicians. Away from the media glare, a new scene began unfolding on the other side of his party office building where groups of doctors, lawyers, representatives of voluntary organisations, rationalists and techies gathered.

Interestingly, these groups are not led by any self-professed political leader. Many of them came to Hyderabad to meet the star who promised to bring about a change in the state. Though nobody is sure what the change actually means, some youth organisations networked among themselves into a group to work for the party. "We don't want any political office. We hope Chiru's entry into politics will herald a new and clean phase in politics. So, we have decided to support him," A Manohar Rao, a school teacher from Guntur district told 'TOI'.

A senior anaesthetist from NIMS and a senior cardiologist from Wockhardt Hospital also came to meet Chiru along with a good number of their friends in tow. A well-known educational institution on the outskirts of the city organised its old students into an army of volunteers to work for the party. "Politicians are discredited now. People are desperately waiting for a change. So, a new approach is needed and only a new and fresh face could do it. We want to extend our support in a different way by sparing our old students," correspondent of the institute told Parakala Prabhakar, spokesperson of the party.

Sudhakar Devaraj, a cardiologist from Wockhardt Hospital, said he was attracted by the simplicity and commitment of Chiranjeevi to social justice. "I have no political plans apart from offering medical service to the people. I want to associate with Chiranjeevi simply because he is promising a change in the set-up instead of promising the moon," Dr Devaraj said. Delegations of nondescript people kept on meeting the star's aides till late in the evening.

On the other hand, hogging the transient limelight, a trickle of khadi-clad leaders including former TDP minister K Vidyadhara Rao, former TDP MLA A Mohan, former Bhadrachalam MP T Vijayakumari joined Prajarajyam party on Monday followed by a senior Congress leader and former Chittor MP M Gyanendra Reddy with all pomp. Chiranjeevi said he was happy to announce the association of experienced leaders like Vidyadhara Rao, which would greatly benefit the party. Vidyadhara Rao, the former TDP leader from West Godavari district, said he quit the TDP as it had started drifting away from its founding principles since 1999. The brouhaha, however, died down after the leaders left in their SUVs. TOI

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

From legal wrangles to loss of a close friend, Telugu film star Chiranjeevi overcame several hurdles for the launch of his party from this temple town.

A row over his party's name "Praja Rajyam" was resolved on Friday after a claimant to the name withdrew his objection.

Advocate V Channakrishniah from Lakkireddy Palli in Kadapa District had agreed to withdraw his application with the Election Commission posted for the registration of the party's name three months ago.

A letter for withdrawal of the application signed by Chennakirshniah was submitted to the Chief Election Commissioner, Praja Rajyam Party sources said.

Chiranjeevi's plans for a grand political entry first ran into trouble when the Tirupati Urban Development Authority refused to grant permission for the public meeting to announce the launch of the party, citing a 2006 Supreme Court order.

However, the issue was resolved after the organisers approached the District Collector, who granted the permission.

Then came a PIL by a Tirupati-based NGO seeking a ban on the August 26 meeting here, where he eventually announced the launch of his party.

When the arrangements were in full swing at the meeting venue, the NGO, Intellectual Forum, sought the ban on the event on the grounds that the venue Avilata Tank area at the foothills of the historic temple town was a protected area.

However, the 53-year old Cheeranjeevi had the last laugh when the Supreme Court refused to stay the meeting.

He also faced a personal loss when his long-time friend and actor, Hari Prasad died on August 17, the day when Chiranjeevi made announced his much-awaited political entry.

Prasad, 55, died of heart attack when he was reportedly talking about his friend Chiranjeevi's political entry at a TV news channel office.-PTI

Megastar Chiranjeevi has floated 'Praja Rajyam' political party, there was a gathering of artists in Tamilnadu which was attended by comedian Vadivelu, this comedian made a big praise on Chiru, having listened to this somebody asked him do you wish to join Chiru party? he replied whats wrong in joining Chiru party? if Chiru asks me to canvass for 'Praja Rajyam' party I would oblige accordingly.

The mammoth meeting organised by Megastar Chiranjeevi for the launch of "Praja Rajyam" taught mediapersons many lessons, to put it mildly. Hundreds of enthusiastic journalists who reached Tirupati to cover the meeting barely escaped being smothered under a stampede.

Though the Chiranjeevi camp had assured the journalists that the meeting would be organised efficiently (‘corporate planning’ was what they said) and that they would be provided with hitech facilities, none of this happened. Instead, there was absolute chaos at the meeting ground. Hysteric fans scrambled up huge cutouts of the star which started swaying wildly, terrifying the wits out of those standing below.

Not many reporters would want to be maimed or killed by a cutout even if it is in the line of duty. Chiranjeevi’s brother K. Naga Babu pleaded to the fans with folded hands to come down, but they would not listen to him. Then Allu Aravind threatened to unleash the police on them and also thrashed a few to bring some order.

The surging crowds broke all the barricades and many journalists had to crawl under the dais to escape the mad rush. Others got stuck behind the dais and could not get to see Chiranjeevi while he was speaking. Police did not bother to manage the crowds, miffed at the arrogant attitude of the volunteers deployed by the Chiranjeevi camp.

The woes of the mediamen did not end even after the meeting. They had to trot around five km to find an Internet centre to send their reports. There was no sign of the hitech facilities promised by Chiranjeevi. Meanwhile the special train arranged for the media left Tirupati, abandoning more than 35 journalists.

The exhausted reporters finally reached the hotels at around 11.30 pm only to be told that they should check out immediately. Those who tried to contact the organisers of the Chiranjeevi mela only got the cryptic answer that their mobiles were switched off. This forced many journalists to rush to bus stands to catch the next available bus to their hometowns. Some were stranded in Tirupati and had to wait till the next day to reach their offices.

Interestingly, when the mediapersons confronted Chiranjeevi the next day, he made light of the happenings and quipped: "Such small things happen in big meetings." That was one punch dialogue which earned him no applause.

The general rejoicing over Chiranjeevi, Andhra Pradesh’s most flamboyant star, getting into active politics takes us back to 1984 – the year when Amitabh Bachchan’s party won the elections. The more obsessive will probably see shades of similarity between Praja Rajyam and the apocryphal Garibon Ki Party. We hope the similarities end there, though.

This being a film column, we’d like to clarify that we are not alluding to Bachchan’s short lived stint as a Congress MP (which began in 1985) but to his role in the film Inquilaab that preceded his entry into active politics by a few months.

It’s fair to say that whatever shape Chiranjeevi’s politics assume, they will be no match for the time when Amar Nath (Amitabh Bachchan) almost became chief minister . Directed by T Rama Rao, Inquilaab is a decidedly odd choice of a role for a man on the verge of entering politics. As one of the last few ‘angry young man’ films, it stands taller than most of its peers for reasons other than its outrageous and controversial conclusion.

Amar Nath is an archetypal 1980s Hindi film hero. He’s forced to work below his station (he sells bhel puri) in spite of that theoretically most powerful of all qualifications: an MA. While some of the plot points like the inability to get a good job without influence seem hopelessly dated , there are copious fight sequences that keep things interesting.

Amar unwittingly becomes the protégé of the leader of the opposition, Shankar Narayan (Kadar Khan). Smarting after having been thrown out of the ruling party on corruption charges, Narayan uses Amar, helping him get a job as a police inspector, to further his own ends. Trapped by both Narayan and his father-in-law (Utpal Dutt), Amar becomes little more than a hired gun. After murdering the infamous smuggler Koya Koya Atachi (Shakti Kapoor), he resigns from the police force and cashes in his equity as encounter specialist to make a foray into politics.

What follows would strictly be getting into spoiler territory but it’s frankly one of the principal reasons to watch the film. On the day he’s supposed to be voted CM, Amar reviews his cabinet (which features a food adulterator in charge of the food portfolio and an illiterate in charge of education among others), whips out a machine gun and shoots every last one of his ministers dead.

It’s a scene of rare cathartic intensity; vastly superior to much smaller scale massacres in the likes of Shool and Rang De Basanti. It also got the film into considerable hot water with the censors around the time of release – the scene as it stands is rumoured to be a sanitised version of a more detailed bloodbath.

Inquilaab is driven by a very convincing performance from Bachchan at a time when he’d played similar roles so often; he could’ve just phoned it in for all anyone cared. Apart from a hilarious cabaret sequence where both Amar and Koya Koya Atachi groove to Disco 84, the other musical highlight is the song Abhimanyu which in spite of some very ham fisted symbolism is one of the most unusual songs in Hindi cinema both in terms lyrics and treatment.

Megastar Chiranjeevi is now facing his first ever trouble just two days after he has launched his new political party 'Praja Rajyam' in Tirupathi on August 26, as another man called Andhrite CK Reddy, from Cuddapah district in Andhra Pradesh, has already filed an application before the Election Commission seeking to register his party in the same name!

The Election Commission sources said that Reddy has filed his application nearly four months ago and the EC has also processed his application. The Commission also sent a reply to him. With Reddy's application pending, Chiranjeevi cannot name his party 'Prajarajyam'.

However, if Reddy withdraws his application, the teething trouble for Chiranjeevi could come to an end. The Commission is yet to examine the application of the megastar. It may take another a week to process the application of Chiranjeevi, the sources said.

Nagarjuna said to media 'We need leaders, we need politics, but the politics don't suit me'. Nag further said ' Politics need a typical mentality, I feel that I don't have , so there is no room for me entering in to the politics'.

When asked about Megastar's entry in to politics- Nag said ' A friend is entering in to new venture, what else we can say except all the best'.