Chiranjeevi's party merges with Congress in Andhra

The Congress got a major boost in Andhra Pradesh today as actor Chiranjeevi announced the merger of his Praja Rajyam Party with the former. The move could come as a breather for the ruling party, which is facing rebellion from Y S Jaganmohan Reddy.

After weeks of back channel talks between the two parties, Chiranjeevi, a strong votary of a united Andhra Pradesh, met Congress chief Sonia Gandhi at her residence for over 50 minutes and finalised the merger plans.

"We have decided to merge PRP with the Congress. It is in the best interest of the state of Andhra Pradesh... it is an historic occasion for (the state and the two parties)," he told reporters outside Gandhi's residence.

During the meeting, attended by Congress leaders A K Antony and Veerappa Moily, 55-year-old Chiranjeevi said he discussed with Sonia the political situation in the state and various developmental projects that would benefit people. Moily said: "We welcome him. He has joined the Congress family from today."

Launched in August 2008, Chiranjeevi's PRP has 18 MLAs in the 294-member Andhra Pradesh Assembly and the merger can give its government some stability in case the 25 MLAs who are loyal to Jagan break away from it. The actor brings with him a considerable chunk of the backward Kapu community votes spread mainly across coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema regions, but negligible in the Telangana area, currently undergoing a strong separatist movement.

Troubled by the revolt of Jagan, son of late Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy, Congress had removed ageing veteran K Rosaiah and brought in a much younger Kiran Kumar Reddy. Defying the party high command, MLAs who are loyal to Reddy have been attending rallies and fasts organised by the young leader.

PRP has 18 MLAs in the 294-member Assembly and the Jagan camp claims to have the support of at least 25 MLAs. By roping in Chiranjeevi, the Congress, which has 155 MLAs, may be able to face a trial of strength more confidently. Of the 18 PRP MLAs, two are with Jagan and one is in support of the Telangana movement.