Second innings in politics: After KPJP flop, actor Upendra is all set to launch UPPI

Bengaluru, Sept 16: Kannada superstar Upendra, who had to quit his own party, Karnataka Pragnyavanta Janata Party (KPJP) within months after its formation ahead of last assembly polls, is now all set to begin second innings in politics by launching Uttama Prajakeeya Party (I) — UPPI in short.

The controversial actor had entered politics on his 49th birthday through KPJP, is likely to announce the new party on his 50th birthday which falls on Tuesday (Sept 18). If sources are to be believed, he is likely to field candidates in next Lok Sabha polls.

Upendra says he is wiser for his past experience. “I learnt a lesson from the previous experience and have taken enough care before launching UPP(I),” he says.

Ask him about the significance of the “I” in the party’s name, and he says, “I stands for every person who identifies with the party’s ideology.” Upendra is still trying to zero in on a symbol that suits the party’s ideology. Before joining the KPJP, he had dressed in khaki, a symbol of the working class. That party’s symbol was an auto-rickshaw.

Upendra had resigned from the primary membership of the KPJP citing differences with other members. Interestingly, KPJP candidate R Shankar, who won from Ranebennur constituency in this year’s Assembly elections, is a Minister in the coalition government.