Taking exception to the oft-repeated criticism that he lacked political maturity, actor-politician Chiranjeevi on Thursday said true maturity meant rising above narrow political considerations.
In a strongly-worded speech at the ongoing plenary of Praja Rajyam Party (PRP) in
Visakhapatnam, its chief Chiranjeevi wondered whether maturity meant scheming for political gains.
"During the election of Assembly Speaker, we extended support to the Congress as a contest was not needed. When a portrait of Y S Rajasekhara Reddy was to be installed in the Assembly after his death, we decided to support the decision to maintain a good practice in public life. On both occasions there was criticism that I lacked political maturity."
"What is wrong with supporting the ruling party in the interest of good practices? We need not criticise every issue. I won't do that," he maintained.
Aiming at narrow gains is not political wisdom, the true meaning of politics is about serving people sincerely, he said.
Chiranjeevi, who launched his outfit two years ago, said he would not criticise anybody, including the ruling party, for immediate political gains.
The PRP chief claimed that some leaders approached him about choosing successor to YSR immediately after his death in September last year, but he refused to entertain them.