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Vijayshanti joins BJP

The Andhra Pradesh unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party has received a shot in the arm with leading Telugu star Vijayshanti finally joining the saffron brigade.

The star took the plunge after a series of meetings with top BJP leaders -- including party president Lal Kishinchand Advani and its prime ministerial nominee Atal Bihari Vajpayee -- ending months of speculation about her political ambitions.

Addressing the media in New Delhi after becoming a primary member of the party, Vijayshanti expressed confidence in Vajpayee's leadership. ''He is capable of giving a stable government,'' she said in the presence of BJP general secretary Venkaiah Naidu.

Naidu said her entry would give a boost the party as the star has a huge following among dalits and women.

Though the star seems reluctant to contest the Lok Sabha election, the BJP seems keen on offering her a seat. ''Vijayshanti will fielded in the Lok Sabha election if she is interested in contesting,'' said state BJP president Bandaru Dattatreya.

EARLIER REPORT:
Star wars in Andhra Pradesh

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