If the turnout of thousands of hysterical and keen supporters, mostly women and youth to listen to the film star turned politician Chiranjeevi on the first day of his state wide Yatra in Srikakulam was any indication, the state is going to witness a strong Chiranjeevi wave in the days to come.
As Chiranjeevi's convoy, surrounded by hundreds of fans doubling as security guards, moved at snail's pace from Srikakulam guest house towards the rural areas, not an inch of space was vacant as thousands of people lined up to see their idol.
Starting at 0930, Chiranjeevi's air conditioned Rath along with more than hundred vehicles could cover only thirty kms in the next 8 hours as the star addressed several road side meetings in three assembly segments of Srikakulam, Narsannapet and Tekkali. The road show will continue till late in the evening before he makes a night halt at Palasa.
To the many old timers, the tremendous response was a reminder of the days of NTR, another popular film star turned politician and founder of Telugu Desam party. "The crowd today is as big as had come out to greet NT Rama Rao during his yatras in this part of the state", said Venkatnarayana at the old bus stand in Srikakulam. "I don't have any doubt that Annayya (Chiranjeevi) is going to be as successful as Anna (NTR)
was".
It was obvious that excitement among the masses was not only to see the most popular star of Telugu films but also to listen what he has to say and promise. And Chiranjeevi did not disappoint them. "You people are not coming because Chiranjeevi is some great person. You are coming to express your anger and frustration with the successive government because of their failure to solve your problems," he said.
"Srikakulam is the land of revolutionaries, where people fought for freedom and then waged an armed struggle under the flag of communism and naxalism. Today the Praja Rajyam is also launching its fight from this land to bring a change and serve the people," Chiranjeevi told the screaming crowds. Addressing a series of meetings at different places he said, "I have not come in to politics for money or power. I am here to solve your problems. When Praja Rajyam will come to power, every family will get a new life," he said.
Lashing out against the corruption he said schemes of thousands of crores were being announced but the politicians were eating away the money and nothing was reaching the people. "Don't beg for your rights. You are not beggars. Snatch your rights," Chiranjeevi told the people.