Actor Upendra, whose earlier attempt to enter politics came a cropper, is all set to take the plunge for the second time by launching Uttama Prajakeeya Party (I) — UPPI in short — on his 50th birthday, which falls on Tuesday.
On his 49th birthday, he had entered politics by joining the Karnataka Pragnyavanta Janata Paksha (KPJP). He quit the party within five months, citing differences with other members. Interestingly, KPJP candidate R. Shankar, who won from Ranebennur constituency in this year’s Assembly elections, is a Minister in the coalition government.
A wary Upendra says he is wiser for his past experience. “I learnt a lesson from the previous experience and have taken enough care before launching UPP(I),” he says.
Ask him about the significance of the “I” in the party’s name, and he says, “I stands for every person who identifies with the party’s ideology.” Upendra is still trying to zero in on a symbol that suits the party’s ideology. Before joining the KJPJ, he had dressed in khaki, a symbol of the working class. That party’s symbol was an autorickshaw.
So, will UPP(I) field candidates in next year’s Lok Sabha elections? “Our first priority is to draft a manifesto to convince people on the need for a party that protects regional interests. Another challenge is to find the right candidate who can sacrifice self-interest.”
Though he has two films on hand, his focus is to get the party ready to face elections. “The idea behind drafting the manifesto first is to offer a clear picture of the party to the people. Every party should be bound by its manifesto and [be] accountable to what is promised in it. People should have the option of questioning the party if it fails to implement the same,” he says.
