My belief aligns with BJP's vision for India's development: scion of erstwhile Mysuru royal family
Bengaluru (PTI): 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 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 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 is confident of his victory and welcomed 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 like a king. Everybody is a common man. So, this is a fight between common man and a 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 can bring major changes in 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.
VIDEO | Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Here’s what Maharaja of Mysore and BJP leader Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar said on the announcement of his candidature from Karnataka’s Mysore constituency.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 14, 2024
“I am honoured and privileged to have this opportunity to contest the… pic.twitter.com/0nbI8dPXnK
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India calls for UNSC expansion, says lack of reform 'constrains' global body
New Delhi (PTI): India on Friday strongly called for expansion of the UN Security Council with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar saying that the effectiveness and credibility of the global body will remain "constrained" without reforming it.
Jaishankar made the remarks at a conclave of the foreign ministers of the BRICS nations in New Delhi.
"We meet at a time when the effectiveness of global governance and the credibility of multilateralism are under increasing scrutiny," he said.
"The world today is more interconnected, complex, and multipolar than when many of our current institutions were created. Yet, the structures that underpin global governance have not kept pace with these changes," he noted.
Jaishankar listed four specific points to press for reforming the key international bodies and multilateral trading systems, and asserted that the reform of the United Nations and its subsidiary bodies remains "central".
"The membership of the United Nations has expanded significantly, and its responsibilities have grown. Yet, key structures, particularly the Security Council, continue to reflect an earlier era," he said.
"Without meaningful reform, including expansion in both permanent and non-permanent categories, the effectiveness and credibility of the UN will remain constrained. Representation of Asia, Africa, and Latin America is essential," he noted.
India has been a strong contender for a permanent seat at the UN Security Council.
Elaborating his second point, Jaishankar said the time has come for serious negotiations for reform of the UN Security Council.
"BRICS itself has debated this issue deeply, especially at the Johannesburg Summit. Our outcome documents have reflected that consensus. But much more has to be done to make reform a reality," he said.
"Third, there is an urgent need to reform the international financial architecture," the external affairs minister said.
He said there is a need to reform the global financial architecture to effectively deal with various economic challenges including vulnerabilities in supply chains, pressures on food and energy security, and inequalities in accessing critical resources.
"Fourth, the multilateral trading system must be strengthened and reformed. Non-market practices, concentration of supply chains, and uncertain market access have exposed the global economy to new risks," he said.
Jaishankar said a rules-based, fair, open, and inclusive trading system, with the World Trade Organisation at its core, remains essential.
"At the same time, it must address asymmetries and reflect the concerns of developing countries," he said.
