Chiranjeevi launched ‘Praja Rajyam’

OVERWHELMING SUPPORT: Telugu film star Chiranjeevi addresses a huge gathering of supporters on the Avilala Tank grounds in Tirupati on Tuesday.


TIRUPATI: Telugu matinee idol Chiranjeevi launched his political party ‘Praja Rajyam’ with a bang at this temple town on Tuesday and declared that it will be committed to socialism and empowerment of the poor and downtrodden.

The film star, who announced his entry into politics on August 17, unveiled an agenda tilted as much towards the middle class as to the poor. He expressed a firm resolve to fight political corruption “at the top” as it was the fountainhead of graft.

Mr. Chiranjeevi launched his party at a mammoth public meeting on the Avilala Tank grounds, venue of the 1992 AICC plenary, which was thronged by frenzied fans and followers who arrived in thousands of vehicles and 18 special trains, throwing normal life out of gear in the vicinity. Amid thunderous cheers, he asked a physically challenged youth to unveil the party’s white and green flag with a blazing red sun adorning the centre.

In his two-hour-long speech, Mr. Chiranjeevi touched upon almost all major issues confronting the State, from the agrarian crisis and farmers’ suicides to naxalism and the demand for a separate Telangana. The party, he said, would make ‘a scientific assessment’ of various sensitive issues, including categorisation of the Scheduled Castes, and consult intellectuals before arriving at a decision.

The actor was forthcoming on the separate Telangana issue, stating that his party would respect the feeling of discrimination among the people and recognise the need to protect their ‘self-respect.’ “Yet, if people concluded that parting between the brothers was inevitable, we will assist in their amicable separation,” he said.

Asserting that his party would be progressive, democratic and not individual-centric, Mr. Chiranjeevi declared that he would oppose corruption in major irrigation projects, forcible acquisition of fertile land for Special Economic Zones and unregulated sale of liquor. He, however, qualified these by saying that he was in favour of industrialisation and strengthening of the irrigation network.

Noting that his party would recognise the economically backward in all castes as a separate entity for special treatment, he said it would support these sections in accessing good education and health care.

All alone on the stage during the entire event, which had a distinct cinematic flavour, the actor, with 138 films behind him, said: “I am your servant and not your leader.”

Referring to his humble background — of hailing from a lower middle class family — Mr. Chiranjeevi told the surging crowds: “My parents looked after me for 22 years, but you have been carrying me for 30 years on your shoulders. Therefore, I wanted to play a bigger role in ushering a change in your lives.”

prajaparty

Andhra Media

Guys,

There is no loyality in andhra politics and media, Its the media duty to change the society, Buy Some private channels like TV9 look for their own benifit, Every one in the state knew they are PRO-CONGRESS, this dosent mean they have to throw mud on others. I dont understand why these people are so intrested on bad propaganda on Dr Chiranjeevi,. They are not even respecting a Padmabushan for the sake of Goons like YSR. Stop it for now atleast, Be fair and frank , this is not the way TV9.

Other sites like Greatandhra is pro-congress, they write all bad things about chiranjeevi garu. Chiranjeevi is yet to announce his party. These people started throwing mud on him from past eight months.

Wake up media, create an healthy media.

Weaker sections tilt towards Chiru

Vijayawada: Popular orator, writer and mass leader, Kathi Padma Rao, joined the Megaforce, a day after Chiranjeevi announced that he would launch political party.

Padma Rao’s entry into the new party had given some space for the weaker sections to follow suit with higher hopes on the film star. A Dalit leader, intellectual and scholar, Kathi Padma Rao, sacrificed his government job as Sanskrit lecturer and swung into Dalit movement against atrocities committed against them at Karamchedu, Neerukonda, Kollipara, Pippara, Dontali and finally at Tsundur. Though he was with BSP for some time and contested from Bapatla in 1994 elections, his entry into Chiranjeevi would benefit the Megastar as a good number of Dalits love Padma Rao for his sacrifices.

There are other Dalit leaders like Karem Sivaji, and many more who are now looking at the Megastar. If Chiru wins these Dalit and Backward Classes leaders, perhaps, the new party would be able to grab power from the Congress. All that Chiru’s political managers have now to ensure is to make weaker section leaders to reach the Megastar.

Kalam inspired me: Megastar

Chiranjeevi’s said that he was inspired by the former president, Dr A.P.J Abdul Kalam, to enter politics. Chiranjeevi said: “During the past few months, I met several leaders, intellectuals and people to find out their opinion. The most important interaction was with the former president Abdul Kalam who told me that efficient and pro-poor people should join politics”

He said that he drew inspiration from B.R. Ambedkar, Mahatma Gandhi, Mother Teresa and Jyothirao Phule, whose pictures adorned the backdrop of the dias. However, the exercise was short on specifics. At one point, he said he was not after posts, but later asked people “to give him a chance to change the existing system.” When asked about his assets, he said he had made a declaration to the income-tax department.

He said he would seek the help of press reporters to identify important issues. and did not see any rivalry with existing political parties. Asked about allowing tainted leaders into his party, the actor said “not all” leaders in other parties are corrupt and defended the entry of defectors. When he was questioned about his knowledge about politics and agriculture, he said: “I came from a lower middle class. My father was a constable. We had five acres of land. I worked in the fields during I my vacations,” he said. “About politics. It is true that I am a novice, but I feel it is enough to be people-oriented to qualify be in politics.”

Asked how he would survive because he is a novice and there is no political vacuum in the state, the actor said that he started his career when famous actors were at their prime. He could reach his present position due to hard work. “There is nothing like a vacuum but people are looking for the change, it is evident with the state-wide response (to his political plans).” Courtesy-DC

Chiranjeevi launches ‘Praja Rajyam’

TIRUPATI: Telugu matinee idol Chiranjeevi launched his political party ‘Praja Rajyam’ with a bang at this temple town on Tuesday and declared that it will be committed to socialism and empowerment of the poor and downtrodden.

The film star, who announced his entry into politics on August 17, unveiled an agenda tilted as much towards the middle class as to the poor. He expressed a firm resolve to fight political corruption “at the top” as it was the fountainhead of graft.

Mr. Chiranjeevi launched his party at a mammoth public meeting on the Avilala Tank grounds, venue of the 1992 AICC plenary, which was thronged by frenzied fans and followers who arrived in thousands of vehicles and 18 special trains, throwing normal life out of gear in the vicinity. Amid thunderous cheers, he asked a physically challenged youth to unveil the party’s white and green flag with a blazing red sun adorning the centre.

In his two-hour-long speech, Mr. Chiranjeevi touched upon almost all major issues confronting the State, from the agrarian crisis and farmers’ suicides to naxalism and the demand for a separate Telangana. The party, he said, would make ‘a scientific assessment’ of various sensitive issues, including categorisation of the Scheduled Castes, and consult intellectuals before arriving at a decision.

The actor was forthcoming on the separate Telangana issue, stating that his party would respect the feeling of discrimination among the people and recognise the need to protect their ‘self-respect.’ “Yet, if people concluded that parting between the brothers was inevitable, we will assist in their amicable separation,” he said.

Asserting that his party would be progressive, democratic and not individual-centric, Mr. Chiranjeevi declared that he would oppose corruption in major irrigation projects, forcible acquisition of fertile land for Special Economic Zones and unregulated sale of liquor. He, however, qualified these by saying that he was in favour of industrialisation and strengthening of the irrigation network.

Noting that his party would recognise the economically backward in all castes as a separate entity for special treatment, he said it would support these sections in accessing good education and health care.

All alone on the stage during the entire event, which had a distinct cinematic flavour, the actor, with 138 films behind him, said: “I am your servant and not your leader.”

Referring to his humble background — of hailing from a lower middle class family — Mr. Chiranjeevi told the surging crowds: “My parents looked after me for 22 years, but you have been carrying me for 30 years on your shoulders. Therefore, I wanted to play a bigger role in ushering a change in your lives.”

Chiranjeevi's Praja Rajyam is born !

Lights, camera, action! Amidst the flashing lights, zooming camera lenses and the vast gathering of ardous admirers, "Praja Rajyam" rolled out into action. With Telugu megastar Chiranjeevi at its helm, running the show, the official launch of yet another political party in India was nothing less than a cinema shoot featuring one of the topnotch heroes of the industry. Henceforth the 26th of August will go down in the annals of Indian history as the day when Chiranjeevi launched his political party right near the abode of Lord Venkateswara in Tirupati.

Addressing a massive audience of near about 10 lakh, the megastar seemed a new character altogether. He seemed one who had ripped apart the screen to appear before his admirers in flesh and blood to commune with them virtually one to one. With all the paraphernalia set , the opulent stage, the digital screen and other necessary arrangements, the show began on a low profile note. Having been a actor for nearly three decades, the proceedings started by playing the DVD of the actor's film Stalin; ultimately the show must run. The real show began when the hero walked his way to the stage acknowledging the roaring applause, shouts of joy and slogans of affection. When he christened his party as "Praja Rajyam" the whole of Tirupati reverberated in one voice of joy.

Chiranjeevi, the Telugu actor aware of the pulse of his audience addressed them in a way evocative of a passionate plea. Putting forward the right moves at the right time he cast his spell over one and all. Humbling himself as a serviceman of the needy, he explained at length the reason behind his switch over from cinema to politics. Categorically stating that it was a rule for the people and by the people, he was careful enough never to project his personal ambitions whatsoever. Reminiscing his childhood and humble beginnings, the actor went on to bare himself before the crowd, who responded to every word spoken with tears of joy.

The hidden politician in him came to the center stage when he spoke at length without mincing words about the land reforms, corruption, social injustice, naxalite problem, poverty crisis, budget reforms, welfare issues for the poor and needy, the women, and the like. Punctuating his speech with images from his movies, the function was a complete package in itself. Showcasing a glossy picture of a bright future, but cautious enough not to overtly attack the Congress or the TDP factions, the actor steered clear of all controversies. Presenting himself as a warrior ready to take up the cudgels for redress, Chiranjeevi envisioned an 'Ananda Andhra Pradesh' (Happy Andhra Pradesh) for all. Ironically the only black mark was the stampede that ensued and resulted in the death of a woman and causing injury to many others once the show was over and the showmen had left.

Amidst all this action, one must not overlook that with the launch of this new political party "Praja Rajyam", the Indian political scenario is getting heated up. Even without attacking either the Congress or the TDP, the actor has slowly but silently kicked off a cold war among the warring groups. It remains for time to prove whether Chiranjeevi would be a true successor of NTR in the future days to come or whether "Praja Rajyam" would slowly slide into oblivion.

Tirupati premiere for Chiranjeevi’s party

Film songs beamed onto a giant screen, laser shows and film star bowing repeatedly to the crowd… You could have been forgiven for thinking it was a movie premiere.

It was a premiere, all right, but of a political party. One launched by Andhra superstar Chiranjeevi, before a 10-lakh-strong audience in The massive crowd clapped, whistled and danced as Chiranjeevi announced the name of the party, ‘Praja Rajyam’ (People’s Rule).
the temple town of Tirupati. The massive crowd clapped, whistled and danced as Chiranjeevi announced the name of the party, ‘Praja Rajyam’ (People’s Rule).

The massive crowd clapped, whistled and danced as Chiranjeevi announced the name of the party, ‘Praja Rajyam’ (People’s Rule).

"Who called me into politics? It was you," he said dramatically. "It should be rule by the people, for the people." He added: "The new party will… strive to make this state ‘Santosha Andhra Pradesh’ (Contented Andhra Pradesh) and ‘Ananda Andhra Pradesh’ (Happy Andhra Pradesh).”

Chiranjeevi, the son of a constable, started off recounting his childhood spent in a remote village in coastal Andhra and how his mother struggled to raise him.

"It’s a war," he declared. "I am a soldier and so are you. There is no general." The meeting was interspersed with film clips showing him as a farmer dragging a plough and as a soldier. "I know ganji (rice gruel eaten by poor) and I know Benzi (Mercedes Benz)," he said with a flourish.

Chiranjeevi, however, skipped controversial issues like the demand for a separate Telangana state and backward community status for his own Kapu community. “We have a lot of thinking to do,” he explained. “We will come out with clear policies after that.”

Chiranjeevi launches Praja Rajyam, 'overwhelmed' by support

Tirupati, August 26: In true cinematic style, Telugu superstar Chiranjeevi launched his party Praja Rajyam before a mammoth crowd of his fans and supporters pledging to work for social justice as its main agenda and to root out corruption.

He made the much-awaited announcement in the temple town of Tirupati in filmy style after a long speech and a short dialogue session with the assembled gathering. Soon after he announced the name a short song and sequence came on the giant screen behind him on the dais which the few lakh audience lapped it up enormously.

The 53-year-old matinee idol and son of a police constable outlined his party's vision in various sectors and also unveiled the party flag -- green and white with the sun in the middle - amidst rapturous applause from the huge gathering.

In his more than hour-long speech, the megastar, however, skirted thorny issues like Telangana statehood demand, Naxalism and categorisation of Scheduled Castes, saying a ‘collective decision’ would be taken on these matters after ‘scientific evaluation’.

"On these sensitive issues, I cannot take an immediate decision. We will take inputs from intellectuals and come to a collective decision", Chiranjeevi told the gathering at the sprawling 120-acre Avilala Tank.

Chiranjeevi, a Padma Bhushan awardee, has acted in 148 films. Former President A P J Abdul Kalam had inspired him to take a plunge into politics and vowed to bring about positive change in politics.

Earlier, excited over their matinee idol's political debut, Chiranjeevi's fans went out of control at the site of the public meeting leading police to lathicharge on them.

Thousands of Chiranjeevi fans, who poured in from all over Andhra Pradesh to listen to their star revealing the name and agenda of his party, swamped into the chamber which was alloted for physically challenged people.

Chiranjeevi said his party would work for the empowerment of poor and weaker sections of the society.

Touching upon a string of socio-economic issues, he said Praja Rajyam would accord top priority for agricultural development and welfare of farmers, primary health, education, labour welfare, opportunities for youth and women.

The actor, who was the sole speaker at the more than two-hour-long meeting, also promised to come up with a clear-cut policy on regulation of liquor trade.

"Fighting corruption, particularly the political corruption, will be one of our main agenda," Chiranjeevi said.

‘Change and Social Justice’ appeared to be the mantra of mega star as he unveiled his political vision before the gathering.

"Today, we are sounding the bugle for a major battle against the social ills. There are no leaders in the battle but only servants. I am your servant. We will win this battle. No one can stop us," Chiranjeevi said with a dramatic flourish.

Chiranjeevi takes centrestage, launches ‘pro-poor’ Praja Rajyam

Tirupati, August 26 : Twenty-Five years after legendary Telugu actor N T Rama Rao launched the Telugu Desam Party and altered the course of Andhra’s politics, megastar Chiranjeevi today launched his Praja Rajyam party that is all set to change the state’s politics once again. With Chiranjeevi expected to have a stronghold in coastal Andhra, both the Congress and TDP may find it difficult to gain power in the 2009 elections.


Starting on an emotional note, Chiranjeevi spoke for almost two hours, delivering a well-rehearsed monologue. “As per your wish and desire, I have entered politics. So the party is also named Praja Rajyam. It will be pro-poor and of the people and by the people,” said the actor.

It was after a suspenseful six months that Chiranjeevi finally announced the party’s name on Tuesday, and unveiled its green and white flag with a red sun in the middle. As the actor walked onto the stage, the crowd — about four lakh fans and followers — went into a frenzy, causing a stampede.

Four persons died — two were electrocuted and two trampled to death — as the eager fans broke barricades and rushed to the stage. At least 40 persons were injured, including The New Indian Express photographer Koteshwara Rao who slipped into the melee and was trampled on. However, he managed to pull himself to safety but not before injuring his back.

Over 200 mediapersons covering the event had a narrow escape when the barricade of the press enclosure also broke.

Unlike other party meetings, there were no other speakers. Chiranjeevi did not share the stage with anyone.

His thoughts on a variety of issues would endear him to the Left parties and the Opposition TDP. “Look at what successive governments have done to the poor man. Today, he has to be given subsidised rice at Rs 2 because he cannot afford the high prices,” he said.

Sticking to his pro-poor line, he slammed the Government policy on SEZs. “How can you take away land from the poor farmer and give it to the rich at subsidised rates? What kind of policy is this?” he asked.

The actor also touched on the Naxalite problem, blaming it on the successive governments’ oppression and poor policies. “It is a very sensitive issue and I will deal with it sensitively. Similarly, the Telangana issue is something that requires a study of the present situation on the ground. Like Telangana, coastal Andhra and Rayalseema are also facing problems,” he said.

Starry politics

Down South, where film stars are put o#n a pedestal equal to gods, ties between politics and cinema run deep. After their attempts to make it big at the box office, many an actor has turned politician with eyes on the ballot box. While many have joined parties, others have launched their own. Like their movies, some have proved hits, others dismal flops. A brief round-up:

M G Ramachandran: The first film actor to be chief minister, he launched the Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (ADMK), after developing differences with the DMK. He came to power in 1977 and remained in office until 1987.

N T Rama Rao: Considered one of the greatest actors of Telugu cinema, he launched the Telugu Desam Party in 1982 after being asked by a fan, “Sir, we have treated you like god, but what have you done for us?” NTR became CM of Andhra thrice.

Sivaji Ganesan: One of India’s most versatile actors, he was at first a supporter of the DMK and later joined the Congress. In 1987 he left the Congress and in 1988 launched his own political party, the Tamizhaga Munnetra Munnani. After an unsuccessful stint, the party wound up in 1999.

Bhagyaraj: The actor-director floated the MGR Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam in 1989 which turned out to be a flop. He soon joined AIADMK.

R Sarath Kumar: After quitting the DMK and AIADMK, the actor launched his own party, Akila Indiya Samathuva Makkal Katchi or the All India Socialist People’s Party, in September 2007.

Others: T Rajendhar (Thangachi Munnetra Kazhagam), S S Rajendran (MGR-SSR Latchiya DMK), M Karthik (All India Parliamentary People’s Party), Vijayashanti (Talli Telengana Party), Devan (Kerala People’s Party). — Sharika C

Vijaykanth: Launched the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam in 2005, but he is the only candidate from his party to hold an Assembly seat. Has refused alliances with other parties.

Mega Stage set for Chiru’s maiden political meeting in Tirupati

Tirupati, Aug 25 (IANS) Mega star Dr Chiranjeevi is set to announce the name and policies of his new political party in this temple town in Andhra Pradesh Tuesday at a rally expected to be attended by a million people.The actor, who announced his entry into politics Aug 17, will declare the agenda of his ‘pro-poor’ party, which may alter the political equations in the southern state ahead of the March 2009 assembly elections.

It will be a one-man show at Avilala ground. Chiranjeevi alone will occupy the dais during the massive show of strength planned in true filmi style. Congress MP Hariram Jogaiah, who has joined Chianjeevi’s party, said the actor would be the only speaker.

Jogaiah and also leaders of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), who have joined the actor’s party in the past one week, besides Chiranjeevi’s brother-in-law and chief advisor Allu Arvind, brothers and actors Naga Babu and Pawan Kalyan will sit among the audience.

The decks were cleared for the meet Aug 21 when the Supreme Court refused to stop the event on a petition by a local NGO, which argued that the event on lake bed would harm the environment.

As many as 23 special trains, hundreds of private and state-owned buses will ferry Chiranjeevi fans from different parts of the state. A majority of the people are expected from coastal Andhra, the actor’s home region.

As many as 5,000 Telugu NRIs from different countries, mainly the US, are expected to attend the meet. A group of NRIs are already touring parts of the state to mobilise public support for the actor.

Chiranjeevi, who turned 53 Friday, choose Aug 26, the birth anniversary of Mother Teresa, to launch his political party.

At his first news conference, the actor said he was inspired by Mother Teresa and declared that he too was dedicating his life to serve the poor.

After a 30-year career in films, Chiru, as the actor is popularly known, donned a new role like matinee idol N.T. Rama Rao, who changed the course of Andhra politics by coming to power within nine months of launching TDP in 1982.

Chiru, one of the highest paid actors in India and whose fan following is compared to NTR’s, is engaged in social services like running blood and eye camps. In another gesture, he enrolled a physically challenged youth as the first member of the party.

Elaborate arrangements have been made for the meeting, which will begin after Chiranjeevi pays obeisance at the Lord Venkateshwara temple on Tirumala Hills. The three-hour meeting is set to begin at 4 p.m.

Adding filmi touch to the mega event, the organisers have hired two helicopters. A chopper will shower flower petals on the venue, while another will record the event, beaming it across 70 huge LCD screens deployed around the area.

Over 3,000 policemen have been deployed at the venue besides an equal number of volunteers of the Chiru Rashtra Yuvatha (youth wing).

In his speech, Chiru is expected to explain the reasons for taking a plunge into politics, his mission and goals, and announce the policies and programmes of the party.

After the public meeting, Chiru will form core committee of the party and launch state-wide tour to mobilize public support for the party.

Best of Luck Dr Chiranjeevi