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.