The Hindu : Front Page : Chiranjeevi enters politics

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Monday, Aug 18, 2008
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Chiranjeevi enters politics

Special Correspondent

HYDERABAD: Telugu actor K. Chiranjeevi on Sunday announced his resolve to enter politics and dedicate himself to the service of the poor, who “had been deprived of the fruits of development.”

Mr. Chiranjeevi’s fans and political followers greeted the announcement with gusto, bursting crackers and organising rallies across Andhra Pradesh.

Breaking his eight-month silence over his political plans at a press conference here, Mr. Chiranjeevi said it would be “a historical blunder” if he failed to respond to the call of the people at a time when politics had become the hunting ground for selfish persons.

Mr. Chiranjeevi, who has acted in 138 films, said the former President, A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, advised him to look beyond the film career and join politics, though N.T. Rama Rao too was an inspiration.

The actor said he would announce his party’s name, the design and colour of its flag and the political agenda at a public meeting at Tirupati on August 26, coinciding with Mother Teresa’s birth anniversary.

Mr. Chiranjeevi said he was convinced that there was a political vacuum. “How else do you account for the huge response from the people? People want a change. Otherwise, I will not be here.”

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