K Chiranjeevi disapproves of actor-brother meeting Narendra Modi

VISAKHAPATNAM: Union Minister and Congress leader K Chiranjeevi today disapproved of his actor-brother Pawan Kalyan, who has launched a new political party, meeting BJP's Prime Ministerial candidate Narendra Modi.

He also admitted Congress was not in a good shape in Seemandhra after bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh.

"It was wrong on the part of Pawan Kalyan to meet Modi who has not apologised for the post-Godhra incidents," he said at a 'meet-the-press' programme organised by Visakhapatnam Journalists Forum.

Kalyan, a popular Telugu actor, who floated Jana Sena Party last week, met Modi in Ahmedabad yesterday and declared his support to his candidature for the Prime Minister's post.

BJP and Jana Sena have also given indications about forming a poll alliance in Andhra Pradesh.

Chiranjeevi rejected suggestions his brother floated the party in view of differences in the family and because he merged his Praja Rajyam Party (PRP) with the Congress.

"There are no differences in the family. We are all happy. We are united. Mr Pawan Kalyan had not expressed his displeasure on merging the Praja Rajyam with Congress."

The filmstar-turned-Minister, who heads Congress campaign committee in residuary Andhra Pradesh, admitted his party was not in a good shape in the State after bifurcation.

"There are some problems in the party in (Seemandhra) after bifurcation. But we will sort out these and strengthen the party."

Chiranjeevi, who had opposed the move to grant statehood to Telangana, however, defended the division of Andhra Pradesh and asserted that Congress committed no mistake.

"Congress had not committed any mistake. All parties were equally responsible for the bifurcation. We will explain to people the circumstances leading to the division. People have confidence in the Congress which will strive for development of all sections of the society," he added.

It is unfortunate that leaders of erstwhile PRP were leaving the Congress and joining other parties, he said.

The Union Minister said he was a committed Congressman and though some parties wanted him to join hands with them, he rejected the offer.