BJP MP from Mysuru-Kodagu Pratap Simha, who was replaced by royal scion Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja as the candidate from his seat, asked whether the 'Maharaja' would work as normal party leaders who "sit on the floor, stand in the sun, and even clean garbage".

"We have party protocols. We sit on the floor when our seniors are around. We wait in the sun to welcome our leaders with bouquets. The Maharaja is ready to do it, we are happy. Similarly, we go pick our leaders from airports, tour them across events and drop them back to airport. If Maharaj is happy doing all this, we are happy," Simha said.

The 47-year-old leader said, "The Maharaj will give palace grounds to the common people. What more do we want? We are so happy. People of Mysuru-Kodagu used to call me asking for help with petty issues. Imagine now the Maharaja is willing to help them. We are so happy. People call me to help clear garbage and debris. I'm happy the Maharaj will do it now."

Before the announcement of Chamaraja's name for the Mysuru-Kodagu seat, Simha had praised the royal scion, saying, "One has to welcome this. Being one amongst the citizens to work for fellow citizens, is truly a welcome and praiseworthy move. When we achieved independence in 1947, all class differences between a king and commoners ceased to exist. Let's welcome Yaduveer for choosing to be amongst the citizens as a citizen."

Pratap Simha was at the centre of a controversy last year after two intruders jumped into the chambers of Lok Sabha from the visitor's gallery on the anniversary of the Parliament attack on December 13. Authorisation passes for the intruders were issued by Pratap Simha.

Source: India Today