The 10-month-old Praja Rajyam Party of Telugu Megastar Chiranjeevi has now become a recognised political party in Andhra Pradesh.

The Election Commission of India gave the recognition to PRP on the basis of its performance in the recent Assembly elections, according to a communication from ECI secretary K F Wilfred.

In a letter to PRP President Chiranjeevi, the ECI secretary said: "On the basis of review of poll performance of political parties at the general election to the Assembly, it is seen that PRP, presently a registered un-recognised party, has fulfilled the conditions laid down in para 6 A (iii) of the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968.

"Accordingly, the Commission has decided to recognise PRP as a state party in Andhra Pradesh."

The ECI secretary said the PRP might intimate its choice of symbol, to be allotted as the reserved symbol.

PRP was allotted 'Rail Engine' as its symbol in the recent general elections but with the party receiving a severe drubbing at the hustings, Chiranjeevi blamed the symbol for their debacle.

He said the party would seek a new symbol now that it got recognition. However, no choice has yet been made on the new symbol, party sources said.