BENGALURU: Sandalwood Real Star Upendra is set to take a political plunge. The star has conveyed his ‘mann ki baat’ through an audio clip to launch his own political outfit that would live up to the real spirit of democracy.
Living up to his reel life image of fighting against money and muscle power, Upendra has said his party will be free from the influence of money power.
He is expected to disclose his future course on entering public life on Saturday. It has come as no surprise for his fans as he had expressed his intent to enter public life many a time in recent years. Many of his movies too had a dose of political flavour. For instance, in his directorial venture Super, he becomes Chief Minister of Karnataka.
The timing of his decision is being seen as apt for the Karnataka Assembly election is fast approaching.
In the audio clip, Upendra has raised questions about the qualification of elected representatives, whom he refers to as public servants, for whom salary is being paid through the taxes they pay.
“The need of the hour is not Rajakiya (politics), but Prajakiya (democracy),” Upendra has asserted.
Blaming the people for the present political degeneration, he has said that people’s representatives were being elected on the basis of caste, religion and money power.
He has advocated the need for a test for the candidates, before they can enter electoral arena. The elected representatives should be accountable for the people, he said.
Criticising the present political outfits which have failed to address major issues like Cauvery, Kalasa Banduri disputes and farmers suicides, Upendra has said that somebody should take the responsibility to change the way the administration is run.
His new party will not hold rallies, and not campaign on the lines of existing political parties.
There would be no posters and banners. ‘Satyameva Jayate’ will be the slogan of his new political outfit.
Uppi will do well in politics: Shivanna
“He is already doing a double role as an actor and a director. Now that he has decided to enter politics, I will support him,” said actor and director Upendra’s wife Priyanka, who herself is an actor. She said, “Over the years I have seen that he had always wanted to do something for the people.
It can be done in various ways, but if he wants to make big changes, then he definitely needs to be in a position of power where he can bring that change. If this is what he wants to do, I will definitely be there for him.”“It is too early to say how everything works out and whether he is going to do films. It is quite a big responsibility,” Priyanka said.
Upendra’s close friend and actor Shivarajkumar said, “He is very enthusiastic about politics and will do good in that field. Whenever we have met, there has always been a discussion about politics from his end. He always thought that there should be a change. At one point, we even thought of starting a party,” Shivarajkumar said. “He joining politics is a good decision. He has a lot of ideas for better governance. Though the discussions have been going on for a year, the time has come for him to act,” said Sriram, film producer who also looks after Upendra’s work. Upendra’s movie Uppi Matte Hutti Ba - Inti Prema is scheduled for release. Currently, he is shooting for the movie ‘Home Minister’ and hopes to complete his other projects soon.
BJP woos ‘Real Star’
Upendra’s moves to enter politics coinciding with the visit of BJP National President Amit Shah to the city has triggered speculation of the Real Star joining the saffron outfit. Though BJP spokesperson Suresh Kumar said he was not aware of any such moves, party sources said efforts are on to woo Upendra. Upendra has been invited to meet Amit Shah on Saturday.
“We have invited Upendra for an interaction with Amit Shah as part of the scheduled programme of Shah’s interaction with the prominent personalities from various domains. None of our leaders have met Upendra to request him to join the party,” a senior BJP leader told Express.