‘Praja Rajyam’ goes to Chiru

In a major relief for Telugu superstar Chiranjeevi, the row over his newly-launched party’s name ‘Praja Rajyam’ was resolved Friday after the advocate who had staked claim to the name agreed to withdraw his application.


Chenna Krishnaiah, an advocate of Kadpa district, met the Election Commission of India officials in New Delhi and agreed to withdraw his application for registration of ‘Praja Rajyam’ made a month ago.

Chiranjeevi’s aides reportedly succeeded in convincing Krishnaiah to withdraw his application and in return promised a key post in the party, sources said here.

Chiranjeevi Tuesday launched his political party ‘Praja Rajyam’ at a mammoth rally at the temple town of Tirupati. However, his close aides and supporters had to face embarrassment when Krishnaiah claimed Thursday that he had already applied to the Election Commission for registration of a party with the same name.

The actor’s camp swung into action to convince Krishnaiah, who had applied for registration in July and was given a month’s time by the Election Commission to complete the formalities.

Chiranjeevi’s aide Vinay Kumar rushed to Delhi to fulfil the legal formalities for the registration after it was pointed out that their application was riddled with errors and had only 88 signatures instead of the mandatory 100.

Vinay Kumar and two other leaders of Chiranjeevi’s party from Kadpa district met Krishaniah in Delhi and they together called on Election Commission officials. It was during this meeting that Krishnaiah is understood to have withdrawn his application.

Party spokesman P. Mitra told newsmen that it had applied for registration and fulfilled the criteria. "Our legal department is looking into the issue. We are confident the Election Commission will accept our application," he said.

A day before Chiranjeevi’s meeting at Tirupati, Krishnaiah announced that he has registered a party by the name ‘Praja Rajyam’ with the Election Commission in New Delhi on June 14 this year.

Krishnaiah, an advocate from Lakkireddypalli town in Kadapa district and a member of the washermen community, said that he was launching the party to help the downtrodden. His party planned to contest all the Lok Sabha and assembly seats in Kadapa district.

As news of Krishnaiah claiming registration of ‘Praja Rajyam’ spread, Chiranjeevi’s fans mounted pressure on him to withdraw his application to ensure a smooth political debut for the actor.