TIRUPATI: The stage is set for the "mega show" of Telugu superstar Chiranjeevi when the actor will formally launch his political party this evening at a public meeting in the temple town.
Over eight lakh people, including fans, are expected to attend the meet at the sprawling Avilala Cheruvu ground where the 53-year-old actor will reveal his party's name, flag and future programmes.
Chiranjeevi, accompanied by wife Surekha and actor-son Ram Charan, arrived here late Monday night from Hyderabad and headed to the Lord Venkateswara temple to offer prayers.
The actor is likely to be the only speaker in the three-hour event starting from 4 PM, sources said.
A huge set has been tastefully arranged by a famous art director from the south Indian film industry with a giant digital screen at the ground's centre.
The attendees sitting even in the last rows would be able to watch the proceedings during the actor's maiden public meeting, organisers said.
Huge paintings of B R Ambedkar, Mahatma Gandhi and Jyotiba Phule and Mother Teresa, who inspired the actor, have been placed near the stage.
Ten digital screens have been erected at vantage points and barricades set up to accommodate people district-wise and a special gallery has been made for the physically-challenged persons in the front rows.
Tight security arrangements have been made with over 3000 policemen guarding the venue. The attendees would be allowed only after thorough frisking, police said.
The bomb disposal squad has been keeping a tight vigil in the entire area for the last several days. Besides, trained volunteers and private security personnel have been pressed into service to ensure smooth conduct of the meeting.
The event is keenly watched in the state's political circles as Chiranjeevi's entry into politics is expected to have an impact in the assembly elections next year.
Organisers said that besides 18 special trains, about 1500 buses, including state transport buses, thousands of cars, vans, and trucks would be engaged to transport people from all parts of Andhra Pradesh to the venue of the meeting at Rajiv Nagar.
