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)
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