From legal wrangles to the loss of a close friend, Telugu film star Chiranjeevi overcame several hurdles which cropped up at the time when his party was to launch from this temple town.
The row over his party’s name, the refusal of permission for his first public meeting... nothing could stop the actor-turned-politician’s party launchTIRUPATI: From legal wrangles to the loss of a close friend, Telugu film star Chiranjeevi overcame several hurdles which cropped up at the time when his party was to launch from this temple town.
A row over his party’s name Praja Rajyam was resolved on Friday after a claimant to the name withdrew his objection. Advocate V Chennakirshniah from Lakkireddy Palli in Kadapa district had agreed to withdraw his application with the Election Commission posted for the registration of the party’s name three months ago. The letter requesting the withdrawal of the application signed by Chennakirshniah was submitted to the chief election commissioner, Praja Rajyam party sources said.
Chiranjeevi’s plans for a grand political entry first ran into trouble when the Tirupati Urban Development Authority refused to grant permission for the public meeting in which Chiranjeevi was to announce the launch of the party, citing a 2006 supreme court order. However, the issue was resolved after the organisers approached the district collector, who granted them the permission.
This next hurdle came in the form of a PIL by a Tirupati-based NGO seeking a ban on the August 26 meeting here. When the arrangements were on in full swing at the meeting venue, the NGO, Intellectual Forum, sought a ban on the event on the grounds that the venue, Avilata Tank area, at the foothills of the historic temple town was a protected area. However, the 53-year-old film star had the last laugh when the supreme court refused to stay the meeting.
Chiranjeevi was also traumatised by a personal loss. His long-time friend and actor, Hari Prasad (55) died on August 17, the very day he announced his much-awaited political entry. Prasad died of heart attack when he was reportedly talking about his friend Chiranjeevi’s political entry at a TV news channel office.
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