Indian Royals Back BJP in Lok Sabha Elections, Signaling Major Political Change

In the current Lok Sabha elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has become a key platform for members of India's erstwhile royal families. So far, BJP has selected or is close to finalising at least 10 candidates from these noble lineages. This marks a shift from the past when such individuals often aligned with the Congress party. Now, it appears many from these royal backgrounds see BJP as a more favorable stage for their political ambitions.

One notable candidate is Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar from the Mysore royal family, running for the Lok Sabha seat in Karnataka. This decision is significant as his grandfather was a four-time Congress MP until 1999. Another important seat is in Krishnanagar, West Bengal, where BJP has nominated Amrita Roy of the Krishnanagar royal family, highlighting the seat's importance with a call from the Prime Minister himself.

In Rajasthan's Rajsamand, Mahima Kumari Vishwaraj Singh Mewar of the Mewar royal family is BJP's choice. Her entry into politics follows her husband's participation in state elections as a BJP member. Tripura East sees Kriti Singh Debbarma, from the Manikya royal family, stepping up as a candidate. Her connection to political leadership is strengthened by her brother's role in the NDA-aligned Tipra Motha Party and her marriage into another royal family.

Odisha's Kalahandi Lok Sabha seat will be contested by Malvika Keshari Dev, aligning with BJP alongside her husband, a former BJD MP and member of the Kalahandi royal family. In Punjab's Patiala, former Congress MP Perneet Kaur has switched to BJP, following her husband Captain Amarinder Singh of the Patiala royal family into the party.

Jyotiraditya Scindia of Madhya Pradesh's Gwalior royal family is now contesting for Guna on a BJP ticket, transitioning from his previous allegiance to Congress. In Odisha again, Sangita Kumari Singh Deo of the Patnagarh-Balangir royal family is re-nominated by BJP for Balangir's seat.

Rajasthan's Dushyant Singh from the Dholpur royal family is running for Jhalawar-Baran seat for the fourth time under BJP. Lastly, discussions are ongoing to nominate Udayraje Bhosle, a descendant of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, for Maharashtra's Satara Lok Sabha seat through BJP, despite his previous affiliation and election loss with NCP.