Rediff

Hyderabad, Jan 6: If the ruling Congress party in Andhra Pradesh is planning to offer rice at Rs 2 per kg and free electricity to the farmers ahead of the forthcoming elections, the Praja Rajyam Party of film star Chiranjeevi [Images] is also not lagging behind.

Chiranjeevi has unveiled an attractive package for the poor to insulate them from the impact of rising prices. PRP has promised that if it comes to power it will provide each poor family a package of 25 kg rice, 1 kg edible oil, 1 kg pulses, 2 kg onion, 1 kg salt and half kg tamarind -- all for mere Rs 100.

Addressing a meeting in Nellore district, Chiranjeevi pointed out that an earning of Rs 100 after a day of hard work was insufficient to feed a poor family. He said his package will ensure that no family will go to sleep with an empty stomach.

"We don't want any family to sleep hungry or get only half a meal," he said.

Lashing out at Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhkara Reddy, the actor-turned-politician said even as Reddy talked of development, he had completely forgotten to control the rising prices of essential commodities.

"Controlling the price of essential commodities will be the top priority if we come to power," he said, adding, "The prices have become a curse for the poor."

He also targeted the state government for acquiring fertile land from farmers in the name of Special Economic Zones. "We will restore all such lands to the farmers," he said.