We have got a new insight into the Wadiyar dynasty of Mysore with the release of the book "Splendours of Royal Mysore: The Untold Story of the Wadiyars."

It is written by Vikram Sampath. I have not heard of him in the past nor have I read any of his works. But that does not matter at all for the reason that there is always what is known as “beginner's luck”.

That apart, to write about such a famous and noble Royal family, with so much material available and the scion of the royal family - suave, gentle Srikanta Datta Narasimharaja Wadiyar, who carries himself with regal grace and dignity, to support the project, the labour of producing the book should not be difficult. This is a magnum - opus of a book of 800 pages, with 200 pictures.

The book was released at Jaganmohan Palace, Mysore.

Be that as it may, the question now is: Though Srikanta Datta Narasimharaja Wadiyar is in politics (he is in Congress), why is he marginalised? More so after the advent of Siddharamaiah into the Congress.

At the State - level, the High Command has now installed a triumvirate. Thrimurthi — Mallikarjun Kharge (Chairman, Pradesh Election Committee), S. M. Krishna (Chairman, Election Management Co - ordination Committee) and Siddharamaiah (Chairman, Election Campaign Committee). How about the Mysore region, which includes Chamarajanagar, where Wadiyar indeed has “Election clout?” The magic touch of royalty that continues to this day after 60 years of independence in this never - changing feudal society.

In fact, the “renovated Congress” seems to distance itself from another two of its known leaders here in our city — Tanveer Sait, son of former Minister of great influence Azeez Sait and “Mayor” Vasu, a known follower of Veerappa Moily, who has sufficient clout in Delhi and is rather close to the High Command. Similarly, there may be one or two others who are marginalised like “Benki” Mahadev of Nanjangud.

Myself being a journalist and also an advertising man of the past, I know the importance of what is known in the marketing parlance as USP — Unique Selling Proposition. Yes. Wadiyars is one Congress USP and Tanveer Sait is another (for Muslims). For voters here there is magic in the name Srikanta Datta Narasimharaja Wadiyar. Which is why, we find people offering arati to Wadiyar in great reverance, as if God himself has gone to their door-steps, whenever he went out on election campaign.

Siddharamaiah being in-charge of the Election Campaign Committee, in the war-plans for the ensuing election, will avoid Wadiyar and Tanveer Sait at his own peril. Their advice and association in Congress decision-making bodies and campaign is sure to bring into ballot boxes the cutting edge votes that will tilt the balance in favour of Congress in this battle of the ballot. Think again!

Here we should not forget what Purandaradasa had said about the power and glory of a name while praising God: "Ninna Namada Bala Ondiddare Sako..." [Enough it is for me O Lord, to have the strength of your name].