TDP: Pawan IN, NTR OUT?

That Chiranjeevi and Pawan are not on the best of terms is not news anymore. However, the rift has never come into the open except speculation caused by the absence of one of them during audio release functions.

The two are never seen together in public. Despite all the differences, the big hearted Pawan Kalyan recently sent mangoes grown in his farm to his brother Chiranjeevi. Yet the latest buzz in the political circles is that all is not well between the two of them.

It may be recalled that the rift between the two began when Chiru merged his PRP with Congress for the sake of power. One must not forget that Chiru floated Praja Rajyam party against the Congress. However, he changed his mind and joined Congress. This infuriated Pawan Kalyan. Thereafter, Pawan was never seen in meetings or functions which Chiru attended.

Sources close to the family also say that Chiru did not offer to help Pawan even after knowing his brother is in financial crisis. When the news of the differences was being talked about by the media, Charan during the audio release function of Nayak rubbished the reports as mere speculation and said that the family was very much together and there was no threat to their unity.

But all said and done, the latest bit of news that we have may not be music to Chiru's ears. Rumour has it that the Pawan is all set to lend his 'power' to strengthening the TDP.

Want more details? Well, it is learnt that Pawan met TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu and expressed his desire to join the party. Although people say it was a mere courtesy call by Pawan to congratulate Naidu on the completion of his padayatra, sources close to Pawan say there's more to the story as Pawan reportedly had a hour long chat with the TDP chief.

Another jolt is that even Naga Babu accompanied Pawan Kalyan to Naidu's place! Political analysts say that if Pawan indeed joins TDP, then it won't be good news for Jr NTR's loyalists. We all know that the actor is already angry with Naidu for sidelining him from the party and giving more mileage to his son. Now, if the power star enters, then it will be marching orders for NTR, feel political analysts.

If Pawan joins Naidu's cadre, then it will widen the rift not only between Pawan and Chiru, but also between Nandamuri and Naidu family.

Competition between two stars in the industry can still be handled, but when the same happens in politics—that is fight between two big stars—Pawan and NTR, then one can only imagine the consequences. Is Pawan willing to risk it?

Remember this dialogue from Gabbar Singh? "Naku koncham thika undi, kani daniki oka lekha undi?" One wonders if Pawan is trying to prove the same to anyone here. Watch this space for updates.

-Siva@Sakshipost