Chiranjeevi announces PRP-Congress merger

New Delhi: Praja Rajyam Party (PRP) Chief Chiranjeevi decided to merge with the Congress in Andhra Pradesh. He met Congress President Sonia Gandhi in the capital and made the announcement on Sunday.

Law Minister and Congress leader Veerappa Moily said that the merger will strengthen the Congress party in the state.

Chiranjeevi said that the merger is unconditional. "Whatever I do is for the betterment of the people. It is a selfless move and I hope those who know me will understand this," he said.

He also stated that he will not join the state Cabinet.

The Congress in Andhra Pradesh had been weakened by the Telangana issue and MP Jagan Mohan Reddy, son of the late chief minister YSR Reddy, claiming enough support from party legislators to topple the government.

Senior Congress leader and Defence Minister AK Antony had visited Hyderabad and met Chiranjeevi last week to invite him for the talks.

But senior state Congress leaders had said that an alliance with Chiranjeevi will hurt leaders from Telangana.

A section of PRP leaders opposed the merger, but majority of the legislators backed a tie-up with the ruling party.

Chiranjeevi said that the party will try to resolve all problems. He said, "For justice we need a bigger platform and so, it is best time to join hands and work together."

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