The months of suspense finally ended on Sunday, August 17, as the widely popular Telugu actor K. Chiranjeevi formally announced his entry into Andhra Pradesh politics. He promised to work for the betterment of the poor, who remained ‘deprived of the fruits of development.’

The announcement by the actor was greeted with cheers, claps and applause by fans and supporters, who organized rallies across Andhra Pradesh. Chiranjeevi, who until now had kept mum over the issue of his entering politics, remarked that it would be ‘a historical blunder’ if he failed to serve people at a time when politics had become the playing field for selfish persons.

The great Telugu actor, who has worked in 138 movies, said it was former president APJ Abdul Kalam who advised him to join politics. Chiranjeevi thereafter added that NT Rama Rao was also a great inspiration. He further informed that his party’s name, the design and color of its flag and political agenda will be announced on August 26.