My belief aligns with BJP’s vision for India's development: Scion of erstwhile Mysuru royal family

Bengaluru: The scion of the erstwhile Mysuru royal family Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar on Thursday said he decided to join the BJP as his own belief aligns with the party's vision for the development of India.

Wadiyar was named by the BJP as its candidate in Mysuru constituency in the coming Lok Sabha elections, replacing incumbent MP Pratap Simha, on Wednesday.

"There is no concept of ‘Raja’ (king) and ‘Praja’ (subjects) in modern India and everyone is a common man before God and the law", he said after visiting the BJP state office here and meeting veteran party leader B S Yediyurappa at his residence.

“I think their (BJP) vision for the country in terms of development aligns with my own vision and beliefs and I think, therefore, if you work with an institution, you must align with their cause and so I chose the BJP,” the 32-year-old who is entering the poll fray for the first time, said.

Mysuru is the home district of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. The Congress is yet to name its candidate for the Mysuru seat.

Wadiyar said he was confident of his victory and welcomed the competition.

“I am as confident as one can be. Of course, the Chief Minister has held the bastion for a long time and we too have our own influence. I welcome all competition and I hope that we have a fair fight based on our ability and we will return victorious,” he said.

Wadiyar sought to downplay some Congress leaders seeking to promote a narrative that the electoral fight in Mysuru is going to be between "common man vs king".

“Well, it is only a narrative. Before the law and God, there is no such thing as a king. Everybody is a common man. So, this is a fight between the common man and the common man only. It will be judged by the ability of the candidate,” the US-educated Wadiyar said.

Thanking the BJP for giving him an opportunity to contest the election, he said he would strive towards the development of Mysuru and Kodagu districts to bring them up on the world map.

Wadiyar said he decided to join politics as he could bring major changes to the region. “I think politics is the right way to influence the policies and bring in a means to implement at a greater scale of development." On Pratap Simha, who was the MP for 10 years, being denied re-nomination, Wadiyar said he has spoken to him.

“He (Pratap Simha) has already assured of his support and of course, he has already done wonderful work in the last 10 years laying the foundation stone for much of the development of Mysuru. We will continue the good work he has done,” he said.