Cong trying to rope in Mahesh Babu
Hyderabad: Chief minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy's camp is trying to rope in film actor Mahesh Babu to lend youthful glamour to the Congress. However, it is yet to be seen whether Congress party plans would bear any fruit as a reticent Mahesh always keeps himself far away from politics and parties.
Though Chiranjeevi has become part of the party, Mahesh Babu's presence at Congress election meetings is expected to electrify the crowds. The Congress, besides utilising Chiranjeevi's services, is therefore keen on having Mahesh Babu be its poster boy and canvass for the party in the 2014 general election.
A section of Kiran Kumar Reddy's close aides is frequently holding discussions with Mahesh Babu's father and former Congress MP G Krishna who is a big fan of former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi.
Krishna supported the Congress on every occasion and lauded former chief minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy's leadership.
Though Congress leaders are trying to persuade Mahesh Babu to be on their side, there has been no assurance from the leading actor so far. He did not campaign for the Congress during the 2009 elections.
One Congress leader said: 'The Telangana movement is behind us. The entire Telugu film industry is backing the Congress government. Leveraging on this, the party wants to use film glamour to net as many votes as possible. We are trying hard to get Mahesh Babu.'
At the same time, Congress leaders are apprehensive that YSR Congress chief YS Jagan Mohan Reddy may 'hijack' the 'prince' as Mahesh Babu is popularly known.
Krishna's wife Vijaya Nirmala supports Jagan Mohan Reddy and her son Naresh has joined the YSR Congress. The Jagan camp is hopeful of netting Krishna and Mahesh Babu tomorrow, if not today.
News Posted: 9 January, 2012
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