Karnataka BJP MP Pratap Simha has made a pointed remark about Yudhveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja, a member of the Mysuru royal family. After the BJP decided to deny Simha's candidacy in favor of the 27th King, Yudhveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, Simha commented, 'I am delighted that the 'Maharaja' will now serve as people's representative. He shall undertake the task of clearing people's garbage.'
Indeed, last year Pratap Simha drew media attention when, on the anniversary of the parliament attack, some suspicious individuals entered the Lok Sabha chamber with visitor passes issued in his name and caused an uproar. This Wednesday, the BJP has released its second list of candidates, cutting Simha's ticket.
Responding to this, Simha said, 'We have our party protocols. When our seniors are around, we sit on the floor. We wait in the sun with bouquets to welcome our leaders. If the Maharaja is ready to do the same, we're happy. Similarly, we fetch our leaders from the airport, accompany them to events, and return them to the airport. If the Maharaja is happy to undertake these tasks, so are we.'
He further stated, 'The Maharaja will allow common people into the palace. What more can we ask for? We're overjoyed. People of Mysuru-Kodagu would call me for help with minor issues. Imagine the Maharaja now ready to aid them. Help him in cleaning trash and debris; I'm happy he will be taking it on.'
Before Chamaraja was announced as a candidate for the Mysuru-Kodagu seat, Simha had praised the royal descendant, saying, 'He should be welcomed by everyone. To work for one's people is truly a commendable and welcome move. When we gained independence in 1947, the distinctions between a king and the common folk ended. Let's welcome Yudhveer for choosing to live among the people as an ordinary citizen.'
However, after BJP's candidate list was published, Simha said he called Maharaja Yudhveer to congratulate him and that he would start campaigning for the party within the next couple of days.
