Tuesday, January 30, 2007

Chiranjeevi - Road ahead and Options (Part-II)

Then, there are many rumours floating around that Chiru may come into politics. It is difficult to know one thing for sure at this stage - is Chiru interested or someone wanted to push him in to politics. Till now, Chiru consistently maintained that he is not interested in politics. He gives impression that he is more interested in pursuing his welfare activities. At the same time it is hard to resist the temptations. After all, on having poplularity and wealth - Power is the natural progression.

I never met Chiru in my life - the closest I watched him was from 100 meters in theaters or from 20 ft on TV. From the reports in media, gossips, rumours, interviews, and more importantly from his track record in Tollywood and his welfare activities - it is not difficult to summarise Chiru's strengths and opportunities to the Powerful position in AP politics.

Chiru still got very good following with in youth and middle class. His welfare activities may have endeared many. He carries a clean image - the biggest asset.

Secondly, the ubiquitous caste politics in AP provides a strong base. The power in state is split between two economically and politically strong communities. There are few alternatives today for the voters and Chiru fills the gap well. Also that fact that Loksatta is a disaster (largely due to its Leader's mistakes), middle class are open to accept Chiru as an alternative

Thirdly, Chiru seems to be kind hearted and genuine person. He appears to mean what he says. Tollywood is a mini Andhra. In such industry if Chiru could survive maintaining neutrality for so long - he can make it in politics.

Lastly, Chiru can be seen as symbol of unified Andhra Pradesh. He can counter Telengana sentiment with genuine approach.

But Politics is not movies. Beyond the popularity, any other similarities end.

Polictics is about performance. Chiru will be everything - script writer, Story teller, Director. He will have to perform his own stunts. Thus, the first question is - does Chiru got the story of politics right?

Secondly, Chiru lacks the Charisma of NTR, Polictical acumen of P V Narasimaha Rao or Administrative skills of Chenna Reddy or Vision of Jalagam Vengal Rao. Obviously, Chiru needs right people to fill the gaps except on the Charisma front. How good are the those friends and advisers "pushing" Chiru?

Slowly but surely, if he wants or not, Chiru is building his family empire. Already there is strong perception about nepotism. Power is a big sucker. It will suck everyone in and Chiru would find it difficult to manage them. Being just a good and being right are two different aspects.

The state which is slowly but surely tilting pro-rich, require a leader who got guts, energy, commitment, vision and honesty to serve the poor. People are waiting for someone who can improve the quality of their lives. Today in AP it is fact that Rich are becoming rich and poor are becoming poor.

There is an opportunity - is Chiru ready to grab it and become a real hero or remain a reel hero?

Let's wait and see

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