I’m a torch-bearer for ‘United Andhra’: Chiranjeevi

The Praja Rajyam chief, who launched his party here and was elected from Tirupati constituency in the assembly polls this year, flayed the UPA government for its “hasty decision” to initiate the process to divide Andhra Pradesh.

He said he was committed to a united Andhra Pradesh, and would continue his fight for it.

Launching his tour in the coastal and Rayalaseema districts, where a massive agitation is underway opposing the formation of Telangana state, Mr. Chiranjeevi likened himself to an Olympic torch bearer carrying a message of “Samyukta (united) Andhra” to every town and village of the two regions.

Mr. Chiranjeevi, who resigned from the Assembly on the issue, arrived here on Friday and drove to the Tirumala Hills and offered prayers to Lord Venkateswara.

The actor, whose decision has created a turmoil in his party with the Telangana unit rising in revolt over his move, said he changed his mind only after noticing rising sentiments and outcry of people for a united state.

Mr. Chiranjeevi visited the relay hunger-strike camps of Congress, TDP and the students at different places separately here and near by Chandragiri and extended his solidarity with them for the cause.

The PRP president will fly to Visakhapatnam from Chennai on Saturday and continue his tour of coastal Andhra before entering Rayalaseema by the end of this month, party sources said.