Chiranjeevi to launch political party on his birthday

Hyderabad, May 31 (UNI) After six months of speculation, Telugu actor Chiranjeevi has finally decided to 'take the plunge' into politics after August 16 this year.

This was 'revealed' this evening by Telugu film producer and Chiranjeevi's brother-in-law Allu Aravind to a group of 'labour leaders' who met him at a local office here, sources close to Mr Aravind said.

The 'disclosure' comes less than a day before the results of the byelections to the four Lok Sabha and 18 Assembly seats are scheduled to be announced.

Sources said the party, likely to be christened the Labour Party, will be launched on August 22 to coincide with the actor's birthday and avoid the Telangana sentiment.

However, speculation is rife the actor could keep his options open on a possible alliance with the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) after June 1.

Since November last, periodic speculation in the media on Chiranjeevi's possible entry into politics kept the pot boiling only to be told by Mr Aravind's confidants to 'wait and watch.' Advisors over the last few months have met the leaders of the CPI, CPI (M) and other Left parties giving an indication that Chiranjeevi's party would keep away from the ruling Congress and the Opposition Telugu Desam Party.

The initial interest in the 'raising sun' symbol had waned as it belonged to the ruling DMK in Tamil Nadu.

The prospective political outfit was likely to choose one of the free symbols like 'Railway Engine', sources close to those working on the finalisation of the charter and symbol indicated.

The focus will be on SCs, STs, BCs and the poor. The party was likely to promise distribution of land and employment to these segments.

Already a few politicians from the TDP and the Congress have come out publicly favouring the actor's entry into politics as an alternative to the Congress and the TDP.

The formal announcement of the new political party will be left to Chiranjeevi, Mr Arvind was reported to have said.

Astrologers, who had been guiding the film star during his reel career, reportedly cleared his entry into politics after August 16 this year and the film star, who was particular about astrology and 'vaasthu,' was not likely to announce his political foray earlier.

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