Mysuru: Pramoda Devi Wadiyar, a member of the erstwhile Mysuru royal family, has clarified that her October 25 press statement was an extension of her interaction with the media atop Chamundi Hill during the Sri Chamundeshwari Devi Rathotsava on October 24.

Addressing a press conference at Mysuru Palace on Wednesday, Wadiyar said her statement had unfortunately drawn a response from Mysuru district in-charge Minister Yathindra Siddaramaiah and triggered a debate among the public and in the media.

She also thanked Chief Minister D K Shivakumar for expressing his willingness to examine the concerns and address any lapses through dialogue. Wadiyar said she looked forward to meeting the Chief Minister to discuss the matter.

Clarifies background of October 25 statement

Wadiyar explained that media representatives had sought her views on the cancellation of the traditional Vajramusti Kalaga and other aspects of the Sharannavaratri celebrations.

She said she had not been prepared for the questions during the interaction and had assured journalists that she would communicate her response later. The October 25 press statement was subsequently issued as a follow-up to that interaction.

However, she said the statement had been interpreted in a manner that led to a wider debate, including a response from Minister Yathindra Siddaramaiah.

Clarifying her position, Wadiyar said her intention was to place certain suggestions before the government rather than blame any individual or authority.

Suggests holding Jamboo Savari on Rathotsava day

Explaining the central issue behind her statement, Wadiyar said she had suggested that the Jamboo Savari be held on the day of the Sri Chamundeshwari Devi Rathotsava instead of Vijayadashami.

According to her, the cultural celebrations organised by the state government had interfered with or disrupted the royal family’s private religious rituals on Ayudha Puja and Vijayadashami.

She said her suggestion was intended to address the scheduling concerns and ensure that the traditional religious observances could take place without disruption.

Wadiyar emphasised that the government was free to consider or reject her suggestions. She maintained that she had not accused anyone or intended to blame any particular person for the developments during the celebrations.

Thanks Chief Minister for willingness to address concerns

Wadiyar expressed appreciation for Chief Minister D K Shivakumar’s response to the concerns raised in her statement.

She referred to the Chief Minister’s assurance that he would examine the issues and seek to rectify any lapses through dialogue.

“I thank Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, who said that he would examine and rectify the lapses through dialogue, and look forward to meeting him,” she said.

Her remarks indicated her willingness to discuss the issues directly with the state government and seek a resolution through dialogue.

Raises concerns over police behaviour

Wadiyar also spoke about the conduct of police personnel during the Sharannavaratri celebrations.

While clarifying that she had not blamed anyone through her earlier statement, she expressed dissatisfaction with the behaviour of some police personnel, describing them as arrogant and discourteous.

She said the concerns were related to the manner in which the traditional religious rituals were handled during the celebrations.

The clarification comes amid the discussion surrounding the organisation of Mysuru Dasara events, the cancellation of the Vajramusti Kalaga and the coordination between government-organised cultural programmes and the erstwhile royal family’s traditional religious observances.

Wadiyar’s latest remarks underline her position that her statement was intended to offer suggestions on preserving the traditional rituals and ensuring better coordination during future celebrations.