Will rectify Dasara lapses: CM

We respect royal traditions; can’t consult Palace on every aspect

Mysuru: Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has said the State Government could not consult the erstwhile Mysore Royal Family on every aspect of Dasara, as the festival was a State event.

Responding to Royal Family member Pramoda Devi Wadiyar’s dissatisfaction over the conduct of Mysuru Dasara this year and matters relating to obstruction to royal traditions, Shivakumar said the Government had no intention of undermining the dignity of the Royal Family or deviating from established customs. “If any mistakes had been made, the Government was ready to rectify them,” he added.

Speaking to the media in Belagavi yesterday, Shivakumar said he had not yet examined Pramoda Devi Wadiyar’s media statement in detail. He would first look into the specific issues she had raised and then discuss them with her.

CM D.K. Shivakumar said the Government had continued to accord the Royal Family the respect and recognition traditionally extended to it during Dasara, adding that he might not be familiar with every historical detail.

“The Government will follow established traditions and examine legal issues Pramoda Devi has raised. We cannot change practices that have been followed for years. We will examine the law she has referred to and discuss the matter. This is not anyone’s personal issue; it concerns the State,” he said.

A democratic system

Referring to the country’s democratic system, Shivakumar said official functions had to be conducted in accordance with the law and established procedures. Mysuru Dasara was a Government-organised event, not a personal function of any individual, he added.

Acknowledging the Royal Family’s contribution to the State, the Chief Minister said its legacy deserved respect and its traditions should be continued. However, he said it would be difficult to meet every expectation.

“There is democracy in the country. Otherwise, we could have listened to everything they said. The Dasara arrangements were made within the framework of democracy and the law, keeping traditions in mind,” he said.

Describing Dasara as the State’s festival and an occasion to honour Goddess Chamundeshwari, its presiding deity, Shivakumar said organising the grand celebrations was a challenging task, involving several new elements, including the participation of film personalities and sportspersons.

“This was also my first Dasara as Chief Minister, so I do not have prior experience. Everyone performed their respective duties. We are also learning. If there are any mistakes, we will correct them,” he said.

Seven-day Dasara

Asked about the suggestion to celebrate Dasara for seven days, Shivakumar said he was unaware of the proposal and that historical records would have to be examined. “We are following the traditions that have been observed for hundreds of years. The interests and dignity of the State should not be affected,” the CM said.

He said Ministers and MLAs had been assigned responsibilities for different days to ensure the celebrations ran smoothly.

“It is not possible to consult the Palace on everything. I will examine the existing practices,” he said, adding that the responsibilities involved in organising the festival had been distributed among various people and authorities.

On the selection of the lead elephant for the Jumboo Savari procession, Shivakumar denied that the views of the Royal Family had been ignored. He said the procession had been conducted with Prashantha as the lead elephant, in keeping with customary practices.

Protest tomorrow

A protest will be held near Kote Anjaneyaswamy Temple near the Mysore Palace tomorrow (Oct. 29) at 10 am, condemning the insult to the Mysore Royal Family by Mysuru District Minister Dr. Yathindra Siddaramaiah.

The organisers have appealed to citizens to take part in the protest to uphold the dignity, heritage and honour of the Mysore Royal Family.

‘Say sorry’

Dr. Yathindra Siddaramaiah’s statement about the Mysore Royal Family is highly condemnable. Being the son of a former Chief Minister, he should know better than to make such remarks. Insulting the descendants of the Yadu Vamsha  (dynasty) is an unpardonable offence.

This is an arrogant and irresponsible statement. The Chief Minister, the District Minister and all those concerned must apologise immediately. Such a statement is the height of baseness. If they have even a little respect for the Mysore Royal Family, they should apologise without delay.

— B.Y. Vijayendra, BJP State President, in Mysuru