Actors Rajasekhar, Jeevita ready to join Congress

Hyderabad, June 2 (IANS) Telugu film actors Rajasekhar and his wife actress Jeevitha Monday said they were ready to join the ruling Congress party.

The couple met Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy to congratulate him on the party's victory in the by-elections.

The meeting assumed significance in the wake of reports that Telugu superstar Chiranjeevi is also set to launch his political party.

Jeevita, who is reportedly tipped to head the Congress party's women wing in the state, told a Telugu television channel that she and her husband were even ready to contest as Congress candidates against Chiranjeevi.

She said they were not afraid of taking on any personality. "If the Congress party decides to field us, we are ready to contest against any personality. We are not scared of anybody," she said.

Her statement came amid reports that Chiranjeevi was planning to contest from temple town Tirupati, like thespian N.T. Rama Rao did after launching Telugu Desam Party (TDP) in early 1980s.

Rajasekhar said if he takes a plunge into politics, he would prefer to join the Congress party.

Chiranjeevi's brother-in-law Allu Arvind Saturday said the actor would announce his political plans in August.

It may be recalled that some fans of Chiranjeevi had attacked a car carrying Rajasekhar, Jeevita and their children in March for his certain remarks. Rajasekhar had said that he would not join Chiranjeevi's proposed party as he had no political experience.