Chiranjeevi fires first salvo against AP CM

Hyderabad, Nov 24 (UNI) Responding to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy's remark that Praja Rajyam Party President Chiranjeevi had not bothered to spend even a single paisa for the development of his native village, the actor-turned-politician today alleged that Dr Reddy too had not done anything for the development of his native village before coming to power.

Addressing a press conference here, organised in connection with former Union Minister P Upendra joining PRP, Mr Chiranjeevi contended that only after he became the Chief Minister of the state, Dr Reddy had bestowed attention to his home constituency 'Pulivendulu.' Earlier, Dr Reddy sarcastically told that the film star, who had earned crores of rupees during his 30-year film career, has done nothing for his native village and what he could be expected to do for 8.50 crore people in the state.

Chiranjeevi justified slapping his thighs and twirling his moustache during his road show, saying he had done it following a request from his supporters and this could not be equated with ''rowdyism.'' The actor-turned-politician also justified the admission of senior leaders from other parties, saying he valued their experience.

Mr Upendra, who was with Telugu Desam Party founder N T Rama Rao initially before switching over to the Congress, contended that political situation similar to the one when Mr Rama Rao floated the party was prevailing now and the Congress would have to face ''repeat of history''.

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