Krishnam Raju to join YSR Congress

Former union minister Krishnam Raju who has quit BJP and has been inactive since some time has announced his decision to be once again active in politics.

The actor-turned-politician who has unsuccessfully contested as PRP candidate to Lok Sabha from Rajahmundry has been keeping away from politics ever since. It is learnt that he is likely to join the YSR Congress and lead the party’s campaign in the pockets of his influence in the ensuing general elections.

Talking to the media at Mogalturu, his native village in West Godavari district, Krishnam Raju has said he would be contesting during the 2014 elections.

It is learnt that Krishnam Raju has decided to join the Jagan bandwagon and has also agreed to ensure the victory of his candidates in the district and the neighboring East Godavari. It is learnt that he has already spoken to his supporters and former BJP and PRP leaders close to him about the prospects of the victory of YSRC candidates in Kakinada (East Godavari) and Narsapuram (West Godavari) constituencies.

Krishnam Raju has  talked to his supporters in Mogalturu on Wednesday where he has announced his decision to re-enter active politics. He told them that looking at the problems faced by the people, he was inclined to once again play an active role in politics.  He has announced that he would be contesting in the next general elections.

It may be recalled that Krishnam Raju was elected to the Lok Sabha on BJP ticket and has worked as a minister in Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee’s cabinet. He has however distanced himself from the BJP and joined the PRP when fellow actor Chiranjeevi has started Praja Rajyam in 2008. He has then said that though the top leadership of BJP was good, it was due to the state leadership that he was leaving the party. He has contested as PRP candidate from Rajahmundry, where Congress candidate Undavalli Arun Kumar has won, defeating both him and the TDP candidate and another actor Murali Mohan. After Chiranjeevi has merged his party in Congress, Krishnam Raju has been away from that party and politics altogether. His announcement of a come back has caused considerable interest among the political circles. Another former MP Chegondi Harirama Jogaiah From West Godavari, who also supported Chiranjeevi during the initial days has also recently announced his decision to support the YSR Congress.