Chiranjeevi launched 'Praja Rajyam' for Praja

In one of the greatest blockbuster events of life, the actor-turned-politician Chiranjeevi launched his own political party ‘Praja Rajyam’ with a bang amid massive crowds gathered at the temple town of Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh.

Almost 25-years after the formation of Telugu Desam Party in 1982 by the legendary Telugu actor N T Rama Rao, another novice party by another Telugu superstar is all set to alter Andhra Pradesh political history once again for the good.

Praja Rajyam is expected to emerge as a third-force in the state and this could send jitter to the coalition government of ruling Congress and the Opposition Telugu Desam Party (TDP), which were appearing confident of winning the 2009 assembly election. With Chiranjeevi expected to have a stronghold in coastal Andhra, the ruling government could face a stiff challenge from the novice but confident party.

The 53-year-old pro-people Chiru in his two-hour-long address to the people declared his intention about entering into politics: “I have entered politics as per your wish and desire and my party will be pro-people, of the people and by the people.”

Notably, he did not call any known face for unveiling the party’s flag, but asked a physically challenged youth to unveil the party’s white and green flag with a blazing red sun adorning the centre.

No renowned actor or politician was invited to get a place at the stage. Chiru took the centrestage himself and touched upon almost all major issues confronting the State ranging from the agrarian crisis and farmers’ suicide to naxalism and the demand for a separate Telangana. The separation of State is an issue that requires a thorough study on the ground and should be deal accordingly. He said the party would make a scientific assessment of various sensitive issues comprising categorisation of the Scheduled Castes and consult various sections of the society before arriving at a decision.

Chiranjeevi echoed the sentiments of Left on the issue of Special Economic Zones when he said he opposed the forcible acquisition of fertile land for SEZ. However he conceded that he was not against the industrialisation albeit favour it but protection of farmers is simultaneously essential. He would work for the strengthening of the irrigation network and oppose corruption in major projects.

In comparison to Bollywood where popular actors have a flop history of political life, Tollywood-the South Indian film industry has a successful political history of film actors. Or else it can be said that some of the greatest leaders kicked off their political life after gaining popularity and experience from the film industry. Ruling over heart of the people through their acting south Indian actors did remarkably well in their second edition of life; their social work proved among people they are one among them.

Politics in South India has a long history of actors. M G Ramachandran had acquired the status of first film actor to be chief minister of Tamil Nadu when he launched his own political party-Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (ADMK)-after developing differences with the DMK. He ruled as a chief minister for two successive terms from 1977 to 1987.

NT Rama Rao, the veteran actor of Telugu cinema, founded Telugu Desam party (TDP) in 1982 and became the chief minister of Andhra Pradesh. Shivaji Ganeshan, the legendary Tamil actor though had a short span of political life but launched his own party, the Tamizhaga Munnetra Munnani, in 1988, a year after he left the Congress.

The actor R Sarath Kumar, after deflecting from the DMK and AIADMK, floated his own party, Akila Indiya Samathuva Makkal Katchi or the All India Socialist People Party in September 2007. Apart from these actors-turned-politicians, South India has a score of names who deflected to politics after experiencing a successful career in film industry.

Chiranjeevi, another blockbuster South Indian actor has so far acted in 148 films and is an awardee of Padma Bhushan bestowed by the Government of India for his contribution to arts and for his social service. The State and people have lots of expectations from this novice avatar in politics.