This Article is From Feb 06, 2011

Chiranjeevi's Praja Rajyam to merge with Congress

New Delhi: Telugu superstar Chiranjeevi-led Praja Rajyam Party (PRP) has decided to merge with the Congress in Andhra Pradesh. This is being considered as a boost to the Congress which is struggling with the Jagan factor.

Chiranjeevi announced the decision after meeting Congress president Sonia Gandhi in New Delhi where he discussed modalities of the merger.

While Chiranjeevi says he wants nothing in return, many from his party could find space in the chief minister's team.

"We have decided to merge with the Congress. We have decided to join unconditionally, for the betterment of poor," Chiranjeevi said.

"We are very happy because he is going to be a big asset to the Indian National Congress," senior Congress leader Veerappa Moily said.

Though both Chiranjeevi and Moily refused to go into the specifics, it is quite certain senior MLAs of the erstwhile Praja Rajyam will find space in Kiran Kumar Reddy's Cabinet.

Chiranjeevi's entry will help the Congress strengthen its government in Andhra Pradesh in case Jagan's supporting MLAs decide to play truant. Also, the party will use his charisma to neutralise the Jagan effect. Lastly, the party will hope that he will bring with him the 15 percent vote share the PRP got in 2009.

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