Chiranjeevi promises to address problems of Muslims

Hyderabad, Jan 3 (IANS) Telugu superstar-turned-politician Chiranjeevi has held a meeting with several Muslim political and religious leaders and promised to address the problems of the community.

Muslim United Front (MUF) convenor Syed Vicaruddin, who hosted a dinner for the Praja Rajyam party president here Friday night, submitted a memorandum, listing the demands for socio-economic uplift of the community.

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'We will do whatever possible for the Muslims within the purview of the constitution of India. Our party is committed to work for the uplift of all oppressed and depressed sections of the society,' Chiranjeevi told the gathering, which also included Muslim intellectuals.

MUF, which comprises different Muslim social and political groups, said it would wait for Chiranjeevi's response to the demands before declaring its support to his party in the coming elections.

The actor, who launched his party last August, was accompanied by former central minister and Praja Rajyam Party leader Shiv Shankar, who is the chairman of party's election manifesto committee.

Chiru, as the actor is popularly called, tried to strike an emotional chord with the Muslim leaders by speaking a few words in Urdu. He recalled his childhood days and his close association with Muslims in his village.

The Praja Rajyam leader said the meeting with Muslim leaders was a step ahead in his political journey. 'This has given me an opportunity to meet Muslim brothers and understand their problems,' he said.

Vicaruddin, who is also editor-in-chief of Urdu daily Rehnuma-e-Deccan, said Muslims had high hopes from Chiranjeevi as he entered politics to serve people.

'We are disappointed by the Congress party while Telugu Desam Party (TDP) has betrayed us. Now we hope that Chiranjeevi will address our problems,' he said.

Muslim leaders urged the star to promise reservations to Muslims in jobs and education and include the same in his party's election manifesto.

Muslims constitute nearly 10 percent of Andhra Pradesh's 78 million population.