By IANS,
Hyderabad : Hours after the attack by ruling Congress party activists on the leaders of his Praja Rajyam party, actor-turned-politician Chiranjeevi took on Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy in the latter’s home district Kadpa.
Addressing massive crowds in Pulivendula town Wednesday, Chiranjeevi criticised the chief minister for not ensuring development of other parts of the state on par with his home constituency.
Chiranjeevi, whose ongoing ‘yatra’ entered the chief minister’s assembly constituency Pulivendula, also wondered if a ‘Special Political Zone’ has been created in the region.
“The government is creating many Special Economic Zones (SEZs) but it should not create a ‘Special Political Zone’,” he said while referring to the attack on Praja Rajyam leaders and activists in the town Tuesday night.
“The chief minister says that everybody has the right to form a party and contest the elections in a democracy but his philosophy has not gone down to the grassroots level,” the actor said.
“I may not have money and muscle power but I have the support of my fans,” he said amid loud cheers by the crowd. He also appealed to his fans to remain peaceful.
Thousands of people turned up to catch a glimpse of Chiranjeevi, who is already locked in a war of words with the chief minister.
The Praja Rajyam founder denied Reddy’s allegation that the actor did nothing for his native village Mogalturu in West Godavari district despite being a superstar for 30 years and earning millions of rupees.
He said if Praja Rajyam comes to power, he would turn every village in the state into Mogalturu.
Chiranjeevi reiterated his allegation that the chief minister was showing favour only on his constituency. “I wish if he has taken care of every village and town like this,” he said.
Chiranjeevi, who began his ‘yatra’ in the faction-ridden Rayalseema region Sunday, has been criticising Reddy and the Congress government for “corruption” and “lack of development”.
Chiranjeevi’s security was stepped up after some miscreants attacked Praja Rajyam leaders and activists. Seven people were injured and seven cars were damaged in the attack.
Blaming the ruling Congress party for the attack, Praja Rajyam Wednesday urged director general of police and state human rights commission to intervene and bring the culprits to book.
The miscreants attacked the guest house where Praja Rajyam leaders and former ministers K. Vidyadhar Rao and Shoba Nagi Reddy were holding a press conference to deplore the action of some Congress activists in burning and tearing away their party posters and banners in the town.
Praja Rajyam leaders alleged that the police did not act as stick-wielding Congress activists went on the rampage, damaging their cars and manhandling those present in the guest house.
Congress activists also staged a sit-in before the guest house demanding an apology from Praja Rajyam leaders for criticising Reddy and demanding his resignation.
The attack and protest led to tension in the town as police increased security around the Praja Rajyam office.