The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : Congress to press actors to woo voters

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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Congress to press actors to woo voters

Ravi Reddy

Party plans to target specific sections of voters through the use of film stars’ services

Jayasudha, Jeevita to be asked to attend meetings of thrift groups and women
Party may ask actor Srihari to tour the Telangana districts

HYDERABAD: The State Congress leadership is gearing up to use cine glamour to the maximum extent in the next elections to woo different sections of people.

Instead of the routine practice of using the services of film stars just for campaigning, the Congress poll managers are planning to specifically target sections of voters using film stars. Krishna Mahesh Sena, the umbrella organisation of fans’ associations of Krishna and his son Mahesh Babu, are training the fans under the guidance of the AP Film Development Corporation Chairman and Krishna’s brother G. Adiseshagiri Rao.

Favourable response

Two such meetings in Khammam and Visakhapatnam have evoked good response. The Sena is targeting to rope in 50 lakh members to campaign for the party. Sources said that actors Jayasudha and Jeevita would be asked to attend meetings of thrift groups and women in districts to ensure their support.

Similarly, the leadership has intensified efforts to keep its Dalit vote bank intact. It has decided to utilise the services of ‘Karunamayudu’ fame Vijaychander, who became a star for his role as Jesus Christ in the film. The party is keen to capitalise on his image.

“The Congress has always been striving for the uplift of Dalits and what is wrong in using Vijaychander to canvas for the party among Dalits, particularly Christians,” a senior APCC leader reasoned. The party is toying with the idea of persuading popular star Srihari to tour Telangana districts, where he has a good following.

Party confident

Actor Rajasekhar might be asked to concentrate in North Coastal Andhra to contain the influence of Praja Rajyam president Chiranjeevi and his brothers. Congress leaders are confident that more than a dozen actors, including well-known comedians, are likely to come out in support of the party.

The recent meeting of actor Rajendra Prasad with Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy is seen as an indicator of his willingness to join the Congress. Senior leaders said actors would be given specific subjects/issues after an orientation programme in November first week.

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