BJP leader Krishnam Raju joins Chiranjeevi's party

Hyderabad, March 24 (IANS) Veteran Telugu film actor and former union minister U.V. Krishnam Raju Tuesday quit the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and joined Praja Rajyam Party (PRP) of actor-turned-politician Chiranjeevi.

Putting end to speculation about his political future, Raju, popularly known as a rebel star, joined the PRP in Chiranjeevi's presence at the party office in the evening.

Raju, 69, said he was planning to retire from politics but decided to join the PRP, as he was impressed with the policies and commitment of Chiranjeevi.

'Krishnam Raju will add more glamour to the Praja Rajyam,' said Chiranjeevi, whose brothers and actors Pavan Kalyan and Naga Babu are also PRP leaders.

Raju, who represented Narsapur Lok Sabha seat in West Godavari district, was minister of state for external affairs in the BJP-led government from 2000 to 2004. He, however, lost the 2004 elections from the same constituency.

He was elected twice to the Lok Sabha from Kakinada and Narsapur (1998 and 1999) and is likely to be fielded as a PRP candidate for the elections.

Asked about Raju's candidature, Chiranjeevi said: 'You will come to know tomorrow when we release list of candidates.'