Two months after announcing his decision on taking the political plunge and a day ahead of the 62nd Karnataka Rajyotsava, actor Upendra said his party will be called Karnataka Prajnavanta Janata Paksha (KPJP).
The launch held at Gandhi Bhavan was cinematic and noted artist Vilas Nayak presented the agenda of the party on a canvas, on how ‘rajakiya’ (politics) being steered by Mr. Upendra will transform into ‘prajakiya’ (rule by the people).
Terming the media as the “true representative of people,” Mr. Upendra asked journalists present on the occasion to launch his new political outfit. As he considers elected representatives as workers of the people, the KPJP workers and volunteers, including Mr. Upendra, were in khakhi shirts.
Seated along with the party workers, Mr. Upendra said: “Complete change in social and political system is the main agenda of KPJP.”
Inviting people who have ideas on improving the condition of the society and the governance, he said: “This is an appeal. Those who share our objectives and have ideas to help realise them are free to join us. It is not my party, it is the party of the people.”
Reiterating that candidates of KPJP would contest in all 224 Assembly constituencies, Mr. Upendra clarified that he does not have fear of losing in the polls. When reminded of many successful actors failing to make it big in politics, he said: “I don’t want to be M.G. Ramachandran, N.T. Rama Rao, Chiranjeevi or Pawan Kalyan. I want to be me - Upendra.” He said that he has received support from friends in the film industry, including Yash, Shivarajkumar, Sudeep, besides other actors.
Responding to a query on paucity of time with the elections round the corner, he said: “Yes, time is short. But I believe in making effort, instead of giving up.”