Former TDP minister joins Chiranjeevi's party

The political migrations to Praja Rajyam, floated recently by Telugu superstar Chiranjeevi, continued with former Telugu Desam Party minister K Vidyadhar Rao on Monday joining the party along with his followers.

Rao, who held several key positions in TDP during his 25-year-long political career, was expelled from the regional party a few months ago for openly supporting Chiranjeevi and predicting that the matinee idol would become the next chief minister.

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People are looking up to Chiranjeevi to provide a clean and corruption-free government that is wedded to moral values, Rao said while vowing to work for Praja Rajyam's success in the next year's elections.

"I am confident that he will herald the much-needed change," Rao, a four-time legislator from West Godavari district, told reporters at Praja Rajyam office.

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Asserting that he was not aspiring for any position in the party, Rao, who had served in the cabinets of late N T Rama Rao and Chandrababu Naidu, said he wanted to contribute his mite in realising the dreams of Chiranjeevi and ushering in genuine social justice in the state.

"Chiranjeevi has inspired countless youths to take to social service and is keen on working for social justice. I will be happy to be part of this mission," Rao, who had also served as deputy floor leader of TDP in the past, said.

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Welcoming him into the party fold, Chiranjeevi said the former TDP leader's vast experience would be an asset for the new party.

Chiranjeevi launched the party before a mammoth gathering at the temple town of Tirupati on August 26.

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He is now gearing up for a state-wide tour, raising expectations among his fans that he will re-create the magic of legendary hero NTR, who had created a record by storming to power within nine months of forming the Telugu Desam Party in 1983.

Chiranjeevi's political entry has triggered desertions from the main players -- Congress and TDP.

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Soon after the actor's announcement of political foray, senior Congress MP from Narsapur Harirama Jogaiah quit the party and Lok Sabha membership and joined Chiranjeevi's party.

TDP's Rajya Sabha member C Ramachandraiah, former Member of Parliament and Rayalaseema strongman B Nagireddy and his wife Shobha had also resigned from TDP and joined the actor's camp.