'I will face Pawan on the political battlefield'

For actor Chiranjeevi, the reel life scenario of a face-off between brothers is today a real life headache.

The Union minister has a tough battle to fight in the run up to the Lok Sabha elections. Besides taking on his brother Pawan Kalyan, who has vowed to defeat the Congress, he also has the herculean task of turning around Congress party’s villainous image in Seema-Andhra.

Chiranjeevi spoke to rediff.com’s Vicky Nanjappa

Edited excerpts:

On Pawan Kalyan taking on Congress:

I was always given the impression that he will not float a party. Like everyone else I too watched him do so on television.

Today, he is a political rival. He has my blessings as an elder brother. But I will not keep quiet if he targets my party.

It is not necessary that just because we are brothers we will share the same view. He is entitled to his opinion and has a right to form a party.

At first, I did not expect that he will launch a party and when I got feelers that he would, I asked him. He denied it. Once again when I heard it I tried to find out and I sent word to him. I also tried to convey that he should focus on his career now as a movie star and think of contesting the elections in 2019.

Today, he has launched a party and is fighting against the Congress. I will face him on the political battlefield now.

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On Telangana

In reality, it is the Telugu Desam Party and YSR Congresss which demanded the bifurcation.

The Congress came under a lot of pressure and had to yield to it.

This is a point I am going to make during my campaign and clear the air about this misconception that the people of Seema-Andhra have.

I am confident that the people will be convinced.

On him quitting Congress after the elections

That is not correct. Whether Congress comes to power or not, I will stay in the party till my death. I did speak against my party and seek Union Territory status for Hyderabad.

I had also spoken about the pain that was caused to me in the way the bifurcation was done. I am not satisfied with the views of the party on this issue, but I was explained about the constitutional hurdles in declaring Hyderabad as a Union Territory.

...

How will Congress perform in Seema-Andhra?

It is going to be a hard-fought battle, but I am confident we will do well in the elections in Seema-Andhra.

The point which I want to emphasise, however, is that there is a need to clear the air about the bifurcation. I will make sure that I convey in every rally who the real names behind the bifurcation are.

Life after bifurcation

There is a lot that is being said by TRS chief K Chandrasekhara Rao in a bid to get votes in Telangana. He has been provoking the people of Telangana against the residents of Seema-Andhra, especially in Hyderabad.

The people need not fear as Hyderabad will be under the administration of the Governor and their security will be well looked after. The people should know that KCR is only making statements for the sake of votes.