Tollywood seeks apology from Mayawati

BAHUJAN SAMAJ Party (BSP) chief and Uttar Pradesh chief minister Mayawati's comments against cinestars has become a big controversy in Andhra Pradesh. Various political party leaders and the entire Tollywood have reacted sharply on her comments. Tollywood demanded apology to the entire Telugu people. Veteran producer and former NFDC (National Film Development Corporation) Chairman LV Prasad, talking at a press conference, demanded that she seek apology from the Telugu film industry in 48 hours. Entire Tollywood stand on a single word that Mayawati has to seek apology. In a meeting held at Hyderabad on sixth of this month Mayawati's commented on the cinestars. "Cine actors are for dancing and singing, they are not for social service. There is no entry for Cine actors into BSP." It is an open secret that her statement was targeted at film star Chiranjeevi indirectly.
 
After her statement, there is a big reaction from Chiranjeevi fans statewide. They expressed their dissent at various places in the state. They also demanded that Mayawati should seek apology. Chiranjeevi is doing social service through Chiranjeevi Eye Bank and blood bank for many years before he thought of his political entry.
 
Actor turned politician, BJP leader Naresh also condemned Mayawati's statement. On another occasion a familiar character actor, former MLA Kota Srinivasa Rao also expressed his opinion on the same lines.
 
In another press conference at Telugu Desam Party head office, women wing president Roja also demanded apology from Mayawati. Yesteryear's heroine Roja, now playing a key role in Telugu Desam Party, contested and was defeated in the 2004 assembly elections. She quoted that great personalities hail from film industry like NT Rama Rao, MG Ramachandran and Jayalalitha were very successful political leaders. Anyone cannot imagine that they were not eligible for politics. They practically proved how they could utilise their popularity to serve the poor and downtrodden people. So many other film personalities in this world have also proved this.
 
It was learnt from sources that Mayawati gave a statement in the view of Amitabh Bachchan in Uttar Pradesh and Chiranjeevi in Andhra Pradesh. But Mayawati took care that she did not quote their names directly. Both are popular stars in their respective states. Amitabh Bachchan is close associate to Amar Singh of Samajwadi Party, a strong rival of Mayawati. At the same time Chiranjeevi did not consider the invitation of Mayawati. She made that comment due to this reason.

Considering the reactions from Tollywood and political parties in Andhra Pradesh, BSP state unit president Dhanaraj clarified through a statement. He said that Mayawati's comments were casual and general and not against anyone. But it seems no one is satisfied by his clarification.