Pak: Zardari, Siddiqui, Sayed file nomination papers

ISLAMABAD: The ruling Pakistan People's Party filed nomination papers for its chief Asif Ali Zardari for the September 6 presidential polls saying it had enough support to ensure his victory despite PML-N's decision to pull out of the government and field its own candidate.

PML(N) leaders filed nomination papers for Saeed-uz-Zaman Siddiqui. PML-Q candidate Mushahid Hussain Sayed filed the nomination papers accompanied by his party leaders

Senior PPP leaders and federal Ministers Sherry Rehman and Khurshid Shah went to the Election Commission with leaders of the Awami National Party and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam, both partners in the ruling coalition, and the opposition Muttahida Qaumi Movement and filed nomination papers for Zardari with Chief Election Commissioner Qazi Muhammad Farooq.

Information Minister Sherry Rehman Sherry said the PPP has a "comfortable number of votes" to ensure Zardari's victory despite the PML-N's decision to leave the coalition.

The PPP had been saddened by the PML-N's move but it would make every effort to take along all political forces to promote the culture of reconciliation, she said.

"We believe that Mr Zardari is the right candidate for this office because he truly represents the unity of the federation," said PPP leader and Law Minister Farooq Naek.

The presidential polls are going to be a three-way contest, with Zardari being pitted against former Supreme Court Chief Justice Saeed-uz-Zaman Siddiqui, who is being backed by the PML-N, and opposition PML-Q secretary general Mushahid Hussain Sayed.

Source : Times Of India

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Chiranjeevi launches political party 'Prajarajyam'

TIRUPATI: Lakhs of supporters celebrated as megastar Chiranjeevi on Tuesday unveiled his political party and named it ‘Prajarajyam’. ( Watch )

Addressing a political meeting, where large numbers of fans had gathered to support their legend, the southern star said he is overwhelmed by the response of the people towards his decision of joining politics.

“The new party will have social justice as its main agenda,“ Chiranjeevi said.

Chiranjeevi added, “I firmly believe in youth power. I am hungry to serve the people of my state.”

He also said he knows the pulse of the public and thanked his supporters for gathering in large numbers at the party launch.

Fans turn out in large numbers

Excited over their matinee idol's political debut, fans of the Telugu superstar went out of control at the site of the public meeting in this temple town leading police to lathicharge on them.

Lakhs of Chiranjeevi fans, who poured in from all over Andhra Pradesh to listen to their star revealing the name and agenda of his party, swamped into the chamber which was alloted for physically challenged people.

Repeated appeals by Chiranjeevi's brother and actor Nagendra Babu to maintain calm during the public meeting, went unheeded among the jubilant fans.

Police resorted to lathicharge to control the crowd.

The organisers had claimed that traffic arrangements for Tuesday's meeting had been made in such a manner that pilgrims descending on Tirupati for darshan would not be affected in any manner.

In order to prevent traffic jams due to sudden influx of people for the meeting, the authorities had decided to curtail all train services at Renigunta itself and not allow it into Tirupati.

The eight-feet high huge dais, comprising big pictures of Mahatma Gandhi, Mother Teresa, B R Ambedkar, Jyotirao Phule and a digital screen at the centre, attracted hundreds of people.

Nine digital screens were installed at strategic places for the crowd to listen to a larger-than-life Chiranjeevi. And in a display of some order unlike many political meetings, first aid clinics, fire engines and water packets were arranged for the public.

Over 2,500 security personnel including bomb disposal squads and dog squads were pressed into service to maintain order.

Source : Times Of India

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