The controversial remarks made by megastar Chiranjeevi early this month, expressing anguish over some “elders” in Rajya Sabha questioning the hefty remuneration being charged by some actors leading to abnormal increase in production cost, evoked strong reactions from the YSR Congress party in Andhra Pradesh.
While it was later revealed that the megastar was targeting YSRC general secretary V Vijay Sai Reddy, there was instant reaction from the ruling party leaders like Ambati Rambabu, Botsa Satyanarayana and even Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy.
Particularly, sharp comments from loud-mouth MLA from Gudivada Kodali Venkateshwar Rao alias Nani describing the actors as “Pakodi fellows” triggered uproar in the film circles.
The Telugu Desam Party and Jana Sena Party leaders attributed his comments to Chiranjeevi for their political gains.
Apparently, the YSRC leadership, too, has realized that Kodali’s comments created further unrest among the Kapu community and it might affect the party prospects to some extent.
So, on Tuesday when the fans and followers of the megastar are celebrating his birthday in a big way, Kodali sought to undo the damage done to the YSRCP by participating in the birthday celebrations of Chiranjeevi at Gudivada.
He said he had never made any bad comments against Chiranjeevi and challenged his political rivals to prove that he had said anything wrong against the megastar.
“Even I say Jai Sriram, it sounds vulgar for the TDP and Jana Sena Party leaders,” he said.
He said Chiranjeevi and his followers had clearly understood what he had said.
“We have complete clarity. But these TDP, JSP workers are creating a hue and cry in the Gudivada streets in the garb of Chiranjeevi fans,” he said.
Describing Chiranjeevi as a gentleman who won’t make unnecessary comments against anybody, Kodali said he was not a cultureless person who would attack such a gentleman.
“I am very much aware what would happen if I criticize Chiranjeevi politically,” he said.
The former minister said he had met Chiranjeevi several times and when the megastar went in a rally via his office, he had saluted him.
“We shall definitely follow his advices. I only said he should give similar advices to Pakodi fellows in the film industry,” he said.