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Friday, Aug 29, 2008
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Star power

This refers to the editorial “Star turn in Andhra Pradesh,” (Aug. 28). The socio-political context in which Telugu film star Chiranjeevi has plunged into politics is totally different from what prevailed when the first generation of actors-turned-political leaders such as M.G. Ramachandran and N.T. Rama Rao, emerged on the scene. Chiranjeevi’s party has a very limited political and ideological space to begin with. There is no clear evidence of widespread anti-incumbency as the Congress basks in the popularity of its welfare schemes and infrastructure projects. The separate Telangana sentiment, championed by major political parties, is still very strong. The Telugu Desam Party is on the rebound with the recent by-elections boosting its morale. Unlike his predecessors, Chiranjeevi has a relatively narrow fan base comprising mainly the youth. More important, the leading political parties in the State are now socially more representative than they were in the 1980s and 1990s.

Snehith Sankineni,

Hyderabad

Chiranjeevi’s entry into politics is welcome. The ability of popular film stars to get mass support and win elections is a good check on conventional political parties and leaders who tend to feel they are invincible. Another positive aspect of film stars entering politics is their ability to rise above caste and regional considerations, thanks to their universal appeal. M.G. Ramachandran proved that a matinee idol could also become a people-friendly and successful Chief Minister.

Nisha Gopalan,

Chennai

Chiru’s political debut was awesome. Till the other day, he was a mega star; today, he is a mega political star. Even the name of his party — Praja Rajyam — is different. As a film star he has stolen the hearts of the people of Andhra Pradesh. He is sure to repeat the feat as a political leader.

B.S. Vijay,

Vijayawada

Andhra Pradesh is extremely fortunate because its politicians are competing to serve the people. Many new political parties have been floated by prominent people, who have excelled in their respective professions, in recent years to solve the problems of the people. The TRS wants a separate Telangana; the Loksatta wants to eradicate corruption; the Telangana Nava Praja party of Devender Goud wants a Telangana state, so does actress Vijaya Shanthi and now comes the Praja Rajyam of Chiranjeevi, which promises to establish an egalitarian society. Such competition among the political parties will hopefully do some good for the people.

U.T.R. Sridhar Prasad,

Secunderabad

The Praja Rajyam is just another addition to the list of existing parties. Its policies indicate that it is only a regional party aimed at administering Andhra Pradesh. It is difficult to understand how it can manage the innumerable problems facing the country today. The common man is also confused because while the choice is growing wider by the day, no single party is able to deliver.

S. Ramanathan,

Hyderabad

How many political parties do we need? Already, a large number of regional parties exist because of which we are unable to have a stable government at the Centre. Their presence comes in the way of development as they all have their own agenda. If Chiranjeevi really wanted to serve the people, he could have done it even without launching a party. What India needs is not another party but a commitment among existing parties to work for the betterment of the country.

Shailesh Kumar,

Bangalore

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