JOIN USNot long ago, he was considered a demi-god, a super human and a saviour. However, the announcement of bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh to create new Telangana state, and his inability to oppose the move, have cost Union tourism minister K Chiranjeevi his fans.
The same hands that showered rose petals on the silver screen during the release of his movies are now throwing stones, literally, at him.
The Union minister has been at the receiving end since the time the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh was announced and is being criticised for his ambiguous stand on the state’s division. Movies in which his star son Ramcharan Tej acted have been opposed and stalled by Telangana supporters during the heat of the T-movement and now by Samaikyandhra supporters.
On Tuesday, the minister’s convoy was pelted with stones by Samaikyandhra activists and local college students, angry that the minister was not supporting their movement at Rajaam in Srikakulam district. Chiranjeevi fled the scene with the help of police. The mega star was in Srikakulam district to visit the areas affected by cyclone Phailin and the recent rain havoc. Later, he continued his visit to Budamuru in Laveru mandal.
On Monday, Chiranjeevi lost balance and fell from a boat into Timmapurampet canal in Rural Kakinada in East Godavari district, while he was preparing to visit areas inundated due to rain. State minister Tota Narsimham and MLA Kanna Babu came to the rescue of the minister.
In Gollaprolu village also Chiranjeevi had to face anger of people as he was trying to review the flood situation from the comfort of a tractor along with district collector Neetu Prasad. The villagers wanted him to get down and experience their predicament. The villagers also erected a banner inviting the visitor to enjoy 50 years of inundation.
The Chiranjeevi family, too, recently faced political turmoil with reports making rounds that his two brothers Nagendrababu and Pawan Kalyan will be joining the Telugu Desam Party. As the brothers maintained a stoic silence about the reports initially, it lent credence to the reports.