Mysuru: Narasimharaja MLA and former Minister Tanveer Sait has urged the State Government to address the concerns raised by Mysore Royal Family member Pramoda Devi Wadiyar over the conduct of Dasara 2026, stressing that the relationship between the government and the erstwhile royal family should not be strained.
Sait called on Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar to intervene and facilitate discussions with the royal family to resolve the differences that emerged during this year’s Nada Habba. He suggested forming a committee to examine the points raised in Pramoda Devi’s letter and convening a meeting under the Chief Minister’s leadership.
Speaking to reporters at his residence in Udayagiri, Sait said Dasara was a State festival and disagreements over its organisation should be settled through dialogue rather than public statements and arguments.
Sait stresses the Royal Family’s historical importance
Sait said the erstwhile Mysore Royal Family had its own dignity and historical significance, and that its contribution to Karnataka should be recognised. He cautioned public representatives and officials against making remarks that could hurt the family’s sentiments.
Referring to the ongoing debate over the Golden Howdah, he said the ceremonial object was under the State Government’s custody, but this should not become a reason for disagreements with the royal family.
He also objected to expressions such as “the Palace is ours” and “we paid money for the Howdah”, stating that such remarks did not reflect appropriate language or culture. According to him, differences were natural during an event that attracts lakhs of visitors, but they should be addressed through discussions.
Sait added that the Chief Minister had already indicated that the issues could be resolved through dialogue. He urged the district administration to arrange a meeting with the royal family instead of allowing the controversy to continue in public.
Calls for discussion on Dasara arrangements
The MLA said he did not wish to comment on how District Minister Dr. Yathindra Siddaramaiah had conducted this year’s Dasara. However, he said he would try to meet the Minister and share his own experiences of the festival.
He also pointed out that there had been no detailed discussion after the celebrations on the successes and shortcomings of Dasara 2026. He felt that such a review would provide an opportunity to identify areas requiring improvement before the next edition.
Sait highlighted the importance of understanding traditional customs and the sequence of Dasara rituals. He referred to Navaratri, Vijayadashami and Rathotsava, saying that people involved in organising the festival should be familiar with the traditions and understand which practices could be modified and which should be respected.
The disagreement between the State Government and the royal family followed concerns raised by Pramoda Devi Wadiyar about the conduct of this year’s celebrations. Her suggestions included reviewing the arrangements for traditional royal ceremonies and the Golden Howdah procession. The State Government has maintained that Dasara is a State festival while also expressing its willingness to discuss the concerns and address any lapses.
Raises concerns over selection of Golden Howdah elephant
Sait also spoke about the selection of the elephant that carried the Golden Howdah during this year’s Vijayadashami procession. He said there had been uncertainty over the choice of the lead elephant and admitted that he was concerned about elephant Prashantha until the final stages of the arrangements.
He drew a distinction between training domestic animals and handling trained wild elephants brought for the procession. According to him, elephants respond primarily to their mahouts and kavadis, making their experience and familiarity with the animals particularly important.
Sait further referred to the growing human-elephant conflict and said the situation would have to be considered while planning future Dasara celebrations. He suggested that the selection and preparation of elephants should receive careful attention.
Comments on separate Constitution Day programmes
Responding to questions about separate Constitution Day programmes being organised by former Minister Dr. H.C. Mahadevappa and former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Sait said he welcomed both events.
The programmes were being organised in T. Narasipur and Varuna, both of which fall within Mysuru district. He said he would attend either programme if invited, even if the events were viewed as competing displays of political strength.
Sait also dismissed speculation about differences between Siddaramaiah and Mahadevappa. He maintained that their friendship would remain intact and that differences of opinion could arise naturally in politics.
He described reports suggesting that the two leaders were drifting apart as media speculation. According to Sait, there was no ill-feeling between them.
Explains absence from breakfast meeting
Sait also clarified why he could not attend a breakfast meeting convened by Dr. Yathindra Siddaramaiah. He said he was away on a tour and therefore could not participate.
He remarked that even his absence from the meeting had become a subject of news reports. Sait said he attended programmes depending on his schedule and would be willing to attend if invited on another occasion.
His remarks came amid continuing discussions over the relationship between the State Government and the Mysore Royal Family following the disagreements surrounding Dasara 2026. Sait’s appeal was for the concerns to be addressed through direct talks, mutual respect and a review of the festival arrangements rather than prolonged public exchanges.