Chiru discusses Cabinet berths with DS

Praja Rajyam president K Chiranjeevi on Wednesday called on Pradesh Congress Committee president D Srinivas at his residence in Jubilee Hills along with his 14 of his party MLAs. The meeting comes a day after Mr Chiranjeevi returned to the city after announcing the merger of his party with the Congress and accepting the offer made by Congress president Sonia Gandhi.

According to observers, Wednesday’s meeting took place to thrash out possible Cabinet berths for the PRP MLAs. This was, as expected, denied by the PRP leaders, who described the meeting as a ‘courtesy’ call and said that not much political importance should be attached to it. Talking to media persons over after the meeting, the actor-turned-politician said that the merger process would be completed in a one month as some legal and technical issues would have to be sorted out.

Mr Chiranjeevi also pledged to serve as a loyal Congress worker and pledged allegiance to party president Sonia Gandhi. He stated that he would make unbridled efforts to strengthen the Congress party at all levels and work under Ms Sonia Gandhi’s stewardship.

Reacting to questions on his earlier allegations that former chief minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy was involved in irregularities and widespread corruption, the actor-turned-politician said that the media had misinterpreted his words.

“I had stated that corruption took place during YSR’s rule. I had not said that he himself was involved in corrupt practices,” Mr Chiranjeevi said.

Welcome Mr Chiranjeevi, PCC chief D Srinivas stated the Congress would use his charisma to strengthen the party. Mr Srinivas also advised Mr Chiranjeevi to create awareness about the reasons behind his decision to merge his party with the Congress among ground level workers and his fans. Reacting on his impending Delhi visit, the PCC chief said there was not much political importance to it.