Dist. Minister Replies…

We are open for dialogue and resolve issues

• Seven-day Dasara not feasible
• Mysore Palace belongs to Govt.
• We do not take Ambari for free; we pay money, use it and return it
• No obligation to inform Royal Family on Ambari elephant
• Government to seek Police report on Vajramushti Kalaga cancellation

Mysuru: The stage appears set for a confrontation between the State Government and the erstwhile Mysore Royal Family over the conduct of Dasara-2026, with Mysuru District Minister Dr. Yathindra Siddaramaiah reacting strongly to the media statement issued by Pramoda Devi Wadiyar.

Speaking to reporters this morning, after inaugurating Maharshi Valmiki Jayanti at Kote Anjaneyaswamy Temple near Mysore Palace, a day after Pramoda Devi released her statement, Dr. Yathindra said, the Government was willing to address the issues she had raised but disagreed with several of her assertions.

“If there were any concerns, they could have been discussed directly with the Government and our representatives would have been deputed to resolve them. Instead, taking the matter directly to the media was not appropriate,” he said.

Dr. Yathindra said, it was not feasible to restrict Dasara celebrations to seven days, as suggested by Pramoda Devi. He also rejected her assertion that the Government-organised celebrations were not ‘Dasara.’

“The Government’s Dasara has its own history dating back to 1971. We do not accept the claim that it is not Dasara,” he said. “After Independence, it became a people’s festival. In a democracy, the Government organises Dasara. Therefore, we will continue doing so,” he added.

“I do not wish to comment further on that now. We are ready to speak with her. If she invites us, we will go and discuss the matter,” he said.

He also noted that the massive crowds attending Dasara often lead to difficulties. “When large crowds gather, some issues are inevitable,” he said.

District  Minister Dr. Yathindra Siddaramaiah said, “We allow the Royal Family to conduct their Dasara-related religious rituals. They are free to perform their religious functions and hold private Dasara observances.”

Stressing the need for coordination, Dr. Yathindra said the Government was ready to resolve differences through discussion. “We have been in constant contact with them. Nothing was brought to our attention. How can a letter suddenly be sent to the media? They did not even write to the Government first,” he said.

The Minister reiterated that the Government was willing to address the concerns raised by Pramoda Devi.

“We are prepared to address the concerns she has expressed. We are open to dialogue. The Chief Minister or any other appropriate authority can hold discussions if required,” he said.

He said the Government had always respected the Royal Family and sought to maintain its confidence. “If there are problems, they should be directly conveyed to the Government. We are fully prepared to resolve them,” he said.

Asked whether better coordination was needed, Dr. Yathindra replied: “Certainly. Coordination between the Royal Family and the Government is necessary.”

On reports that the Royal Family might approach the High Court or refuse to provide the Ambari, he said: “If they wish to proceed in that manner, they may do so. The Government will take appropriate steps. However, I do not think such a situation will arise. We have always resolved matters through dialogue.”

Mysore Palace belongs to Government

Reacting to Pramoda Devi’s suggestion that the Ambari procession be held on Rathotsava Day, leaving the Palace free for Ayudha Puja and Vijayadashami rituals, Dr. Yathindra said the proposal was not acceptable.

“The Mysore Palace Board, the Palace and its premises belong to the Government. It is not possible to implement what has been suggested. The Government does not agree with those proposals,” he said.

He added that Dasara celebrations would be held according to the Government’s decision. “The Royal Family has been provided space for residence in a portion of the Palace. That is all,” he said.

Responding to Pramoda Devi’s assertion that the Golden Ambari belonged to the Royal Family, Minister Dr. Yathindra said the Government paid to use it for Jumboo Savari. “On the day of the Jumboo Savari procession, we obtain the Ambari and conduct the ceremony. We do not get it free of cost. We pay for it and return it afterwards,” he said.