Chiranjeevi strikes a chord

SRIKAKULAM: The sleepy town of Srikakulam woke up to the presence of the man they held dear as a film star amid them on Friday morning going through their lanes and by-lanes.

For many, it was almost incredible event to see Chiranjeevi donning the role of president of Praja Rajyam party. Youth and women were simply overwhelmed to see him standing before them at a stone’s throw distance.

As news spread in the town that Mr. Chiranjeevi was all set to have a face-to-face with them, thousands made a beeline to all the important centres in the town from where he was to pass through.

People’s needs

People climbed up roof tops of houses and government offices and occupied all vantage points to catch a glimpse. Youth dominated the crowds followed by women. Avoiding direct reference to either the Congress or the Telugu Desam parties, he went on a positive note saying he would bring about a revolutionary change. He promised to ensure that no elected representative acted according to his whims and fancies and remained sensitive to people’s needs.

Mr. Chiranjeevi, who commenced his mass contact programme at 9 a.m. in the town, touched all the main thoroughfares of the town and everywhere the burden of his song was “change.” He reiterated that only Praja Rajyam can usher in such a change. He said that he was overwhelmed by the enthusiasm shown by youth and added that any other country would have made optimum utilisation of their collective power.

He said that job-oriented courses would be introduced in colleges and by the time they came out of their colleges jobs would be made available for them. He said that seeds, fertilizers and whatever the farmers needed would be provided without difficulty. He said that he did not believe in making tall promises but stated that basic amenities would be ensured to all sections.

Mr. Chiranjeevi held roadshows and addressed meetings at 10 important roadside towns and villages en route his campaign trail of about 80 km from Srikakulam to Palasa.

Chiranjeevi promises free power to ryots

SRIKAKULAM: Praja Rajyam president Chiranjeevi on Friday promised 24-hour free power supply to farmers, at least in backward districts, if his party comes to power.

Addressing a large gathering near Narsannapet on National Highway 5 as part of his “Praja Ankitha Yatra,” he said it was the government’s responsibility to come to the rescue of people when they were in a crisis.

Farmers were already reeling under shortage of fertilizer and unremunerative prices for their produce, he said. Power shortage only added to their woes and if the government did not help them “We will work out a proposal to extend free power supply in backward districts.”

It was as if people from every house in this town had turned up on the streets to catch a glimpse of the star-turned-politician atop his ‘Praja Ankitha Ratham’ flanked by MLCs Gorle Haribabu and former Minister in the Telugu Desam government Tammineni Seetaram. The roads were so packed with people, especially women and youth, that the long-winding convoy comprising at least 100 vehicles could only inch forward. In tune with his policy of not criticising leaders of other political parties and using harsh language against anyone, he did not name anybody but regretted that successive governments had neglected peoples’ welfare. Individual and political interests were placed above that of the people. “If you patronise the Praja Rajyam, I promise that we will work out solutions to every problem you have been facing the past decades and do everything to improve your daily life,” he declared to a thunderous applause.

On the first day of his ‘Yatra’, he addressed half a dozen meetings in this town, attracting teeming crowds. He said he was all for development but not at the cost of welfare. “The common man cannot be hit below the belt,” he said, promising that he would do everything to remove imbalances in society.

NENUTITTA LEKA KADU

Chiru begins his 'Mega' yatra in Andhra Pradesh

Hyderabad, Megastar Chiranjeevi Thursday launched his maiden and much-awaited state-wide 'yatra' or tour from Srikakulam district in north coastal Andhra.

The Praja Rajyam Party (PRP) chief launched his the tour in the evening after offering prayers at Suryanarayana Swamy temple in Arasavelli near Itchapuram in Srikakulam district.

The superstar, who launched the party in August, reached Srikakulam in a helicopter from Hyderabad. En route, his chopper landed at Rajahmundry for refuelling.

Hundreds of his fans gathered outside the temple as he arrived for the prayers. Addressing the crowd, he said his party's aim was to bring a change in the state. 'I want to see prosperity and happiness,' he said amid loud cheers.

Chiranjeevi began the tour in a special vehicle. He will cover a distance of 50 km every day and address road-side public meetings.

In the first phase, the actor will cover three north coastal Andhra districts of Srikakulam, Vizianagaram and Visakhapatnam for nine days. He will later visit the south coastal Andhra, Telangana and Rayalseema areas of the state.

Chiranjeevi has sounded the election bugle by launching the tour. The simultaneous elections to state assembly and the Lok Sabha are likely to be held in February-March next year.

All the political parties, especially the ruling Congress and the main opposition Telugu Desam Party, are keenly watching the response to Chiranjeevi's tour. The political re-alignment in the state will also depend on the people's response to the tour.

The two communist parties are likely to decide on aligning with the Telegu Desam Party or the PRP based on the response to Chiranjeevi's 'yatra'. Even Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) may join hands with the PRP if it takes a stand in favour of separate statehood to Telangana.

Chiranjeevi chose north coastal Andhra to begin his tour as he enjoys huge fan following in the region as well as two other coastal districts of East and West Godavari.

The actor, who hails from West Godavari district, already made waves with his visits to Karimnagar, Mahbubnagar and Warangal districts in the Telangana region.

In his first public appearance after launching the party, he visited Sircilla in Karimnagar district and met families of weavers who committed suicide due to crisis in handloom sector. He then visited Mahbubnagar district to express solidarity with farmers fighting against land acquisition for Special Economic Zone (SEZ).

Pawan touring Greater Hyderabad region

To strengthen the Party, Praja Rjyam Youth leader and Chiru's brother Pawan Kalyan will tour Greater Hyderabad region today and tomorrow.(7th October and 8th October).
Today (7th October) he will cover the areas-Jubilee Hills- Rahemad Nagar, Sheralingampally-Kondapur.....

Kukkatapally, Bharath Nagar,Kuthbullapur-Muncipal Grounds, Medchal- Thukunta, Shamirpet, Contonment, Secunderabad- Varasiguda, Sanathnagara-Mahnkaliguda,, Musheerabad-RTC X Roads, Uppal- Ambedkar Statue,Ambarpet-6number, LB Nagar- Kottapet fruit market. Kairathabad -Skyline theatre- He will attend all these place and participate in Party membership enrollment and party flag hoisting.

On 8th October-Pawan will tour- Namappay -Mohidhipatnam,Chandrayanagutta, Uppuguda, Yakathpura- Goulipura, Charminar- Shalibhanda,Goshamahal-Chandanvadi,Bahudurpura Metro theatre, Karavan, Rajendranagar-Katedhan etc..