Praja Rajyam Party president Chiranjeevi is in a dilemma whether to accept the cabinet post at the Centre or take over as Andhra Pradesh deputy CM. Party sources confirmed that even though the Congress-PRP merger was unconditional for public consumption, the Congress high command had offered either of the two options to the actor-politician. While the majority of the party leaders want him to stay put in the state to ensure the Congress victory in 2014 elections, a section wants him to go to Delhi. Those wanting him to go to the centre are of the view that his high profile and large following would certainly lead to clash of interests in the state.
"If Chiranjeevi wants a position in state government, we would have two deputy chief ministers: one is Chiranjeevi and another from Telangana region. It would dilute his role as well in the government,' a source said.
There is another section in the party advocating that he should not accept any official position as it might tarnish his image or that he might fall victim to factional politics or problems. "He should better take upon himself the organisational work which would enable him to become the leader,' said an MLA who represents this group.
A senior leader said the Congress high command is waiting for a call from Chiranjeevi. Most likely, the decision will be conveyed to Congress president Sonia Gandhi even before the merger is announced by the election commission of India.
Since the merger will not be complete before April, the Congress is expected to offer a few seats in the legislative council to the PRP as a goodwill gesture. Apart from this, the party is expected to get one post of governor and half a dozen posts of chairmen of state PSUs and several other posts.
Chiranjeevi told TOI that he would accept any responsibility assigned to him. "Organisational or governmental, both responsibilities are equal to me. I am not after the posts. It is left to the Congress president," he said.
The party has initiated the merger process as per the bylaws submitted to the Election commission. "The party central executive has adopted the resolution of the merger. Now, all the district committees and mandal level committees should have to endorse the move," said a leader.
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