After weeks of back channel talks between the twoparties, actor-turned-politician Chiranjeevi, a powerful votaryof a united Andhra Pradesh, met Congress chief Sonia Gandhi ather residence here for over fifty minutes and finalised hismerger plans that would bring new political alignment in thestate.
"We have set to merge the PRP with the Congress.
It is within the best interests of the state of Andhra Pradesh...
it is an historic occasion for (the state and also the twoparties)," he told reporters outside Gandhi''s residence.
During the meeting, attended by Congress leaders A KAntony and Veerappa Moily, 55-year-old Chiranjeevi said hediscussed with Sonia this political scenario in thestate and numerous developmental comes that may benefitpeople.
Moily said: "We welcome him. He has joined theCongress family from nowadays."
Chiranjeevi''s PRP, that was launched in August, 2008,has eighteen MLAs within the 294-member Andhra Pradesh Assembly and hisdecision to merge with Congress will offer its government somestability in case the twenty five party MLAs loyal to Jagan break fromit.
The actor additionally brings with him a substantial chunk ofbackward Kapu community votes unfold mainly in coastal Andhraand Rayalaseema regions, however has solely negligible in theTelangana space where a powerful separatist movement is currentlyon.
Troubled by the revolt of Jagan, son recently ChiefMinister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy, the Congress had removed theageing veteran K Rosaiah and brought during a abundant younger KiranKumar Reddy and had been engaged on different ways in which to strengthenthe party.
MLAs loyal to Reddy are attending rallies andfasts organised by the young leader defying the party HighCommand.
The PRP has eighteen MLAs within the 294-member state Assemblyand the Jagan camp claims to own the support of a minimum of 25MLAs. By roping in Chiranjeevi, the Congress, that has 155MLAs, could also be able to face an attempt of strength within the Assemblymore confidently.
Of the eighteen PRP MLAs, 2 are with Jagan and one is insupport of Telangana movement.
Chiranjeevi said PRP''s merger with Congress was agreedupon with none pre-conditions as he was bothered "only aboutthe betterment of the poor, downtroden and deprived sectionsof the society."
"No. Not all. I don''t have such motives. i'll beworking for the individuals as i'm (doing) currently," he said, replyingto a volley of queries whether or not he would be a part of the stategovernment. (More) PTI ETB VSC
