Act two: Chiranjeevi enters politics, salutes Kalam

ACT TWO: Chiranjeevi said the question of electoral tie-ups would be considered.

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Hyderabad: Ending a year-long speculation, Telugu superstar Chiranjeevi announced his entry into politics and said pro-poor policies and social justice will be his party's main agenda.

The name, party flag and agenda of the new party will be unveiled at the first public meeting to be held at the temple town of Tirupati on August 26.

Addressing a crowded press conference at his party office in posh Jubilee Hills, the 53-year-old actor said he had decided to enter politics to ameliorate the sufferings of the poor and bring about transformation in society.

Keeping his options open on future alliances, Chiranjeevi said the question of electoral tie-ups would be considered at a later stage.

While asserting that there was a political vacuum in the state, he, however, said he has no rivals.

"Poverty and backwardness are my enemies. I will fight against them," he said.

The popular hero said former President A P J Abdul Kalam had inspired him to take the political plunge.

"I would have committed a historical blunder had I not entered politics," Chiranjeevi said.

On issues like Telangana statehood demand and naxalism, he parried the questions and said his party would take a collective decision after thorough debate and objective analysis of the problems.