Mysuru: Urban Development and Mysuru District in-charge Minister Yathindra Siddaramaiah on Wednesday reiterated his stand on the ownership of Mysuru Palace, firmly rejecting demands for an apology to the erstwhile royal family over his recent remarks.

Responding to the demand raised by BJP Karnataka president B Y Vijayendra, Yathindra said he had committed no mistake and would not apologise for statements he maintained were made in accordance with the Mysuru Palace (Acquisition and Transfer) Act.

The controversy follows remarks by Pramoda Devi Wadiyar, a member of the erstwhile Mysuru royal family, regarding the organisation of Mysuru Dasara. Her suggestions included holding a seven-day Dasara celebration and not providing the golden howdah, or Ambari, used during the traditional Jumboo Savari procession. She had also expressed dissatisfaction with the conduct of government and police officials.

The exchange has triggered a political debate over the government’s relationship with the erstwhile royal family and the role of the Palace and the golden howdah in the annual Dasara celebrations.

‘Mysuru Palace is government property’

Speaking to the media in Mysuru, Yathindra maintained that Mysuru Palace was government property and said his earlier statement had been misinterpreted.

“Mysuru Palace is a government property, and I have already clarified this matter. However, some people have misinterpreted my statement. I have committed no wrong in this regard,” he said.

The minister also referred to Chief Minister D K Shivakumar’s stated intention to speak directly with the royal family, saying there was no need for him to initiate separate discussions.

“Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has mentioned that he will directly speak with the family, so there is no need for me to hold talks,” Yathindra said.

His comments came after Vijayendra demanded that the minister apologise to the erstwhile royal family. The BJP state president’s demand followed the disagreement over Pramoda Devi Wadiyar’s suggestions concerning the conduct of Dasara and the use of the golden howdah during the festivities.

Yathindra, however, remained firm that his position was based on the applicable legislation and not on any intention to disrespect the royal family.

Minister defends remarks on golden howdah

Defending his earlier comments about Mysuru Palace and the golden howdah, Yathindra said he had spoken with a clear understanding of the relevant law.

He argued that his remarks were being misconstrued for political purposes and rejected the suggestion that he should apologise for them.

“My statements are being misconstrued for political gains. I spoke with full awareness and consciousness. Had I committed a mistake, I would have apologised. But since I have done no wrong, I will not seek an apology,” he asserted.

The minister’s remarks underline the government’s position in the ongoing disagreement over the Palace and the arrangements for Dasara. The Mysuru Palace remains closely associated with the city’s royal history, while the annual Dasara festival is a major cultural event that attracts visitors from across Karnataka and other parts of the country.

The golden howdah is one of the most prominent symbols of the traditional Jumboo Savari procession, during which the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari is carried in the ceremonial structure on an elephant. Its participation is an important element of the traditional spectacle, making the question of its availability a sensitive issue in discussions about the festival.

Yathindra maintained that his statements had to be understood in the context of the law governing the Palace rather than interpreted as a personal attack on the royal family.

‘Dasara is celebrated for the public’

Explaining his response to Pramoda Devi Wadiyar’s suggestions, Yathindra said he had merely addressed the proposal for a seven-day Dasara celebration and the possibility that the golden howdah would not be made available.

“She had suggested to host a seven-day Dasara and that the golden howdah would not be provided. I merely responded to that,” he said.

The minister stressed that the traditional Jumboo Savari could not be conducted without the Ambari, highlighting its importance to the procession.

“The Dasara Jamboo Savari cannot take place without the Ambari. We are in a democracy, and this is a people’s government. We celebrate Dasara for the public, and there is nothing wrong with my statement,” he said.

His comments reflect the government’s emphasis on the public character of the Dasara celebrations, which combine religious traditions, cultural programmes and public festivities. The annual event is a major attraction in Mysuru and plays an important role in the city’s cultural identity and tourism economy.

The disagreement has also brought attention to the balance between preserving royal traditions and the role of the elected government in organising a public festival. While the erstwhile royal family continues to hold a prominent place in Mysuru’s historical and cultural life, the government oversees several aspects of the official celebrations.

The question of the golden howdah has become a focal point of the dispute because of its ceremonial significance in the Jumboo Savari.

Political reactions add to the controversy

Vijayendra’s demand for an apology has turned the disagreement into a political issue, with the BJP questioning the minister’s remarks about the erstwhile royal family.

Yathindra has rejected the demand, arguing that his statements were legally grounded and had been taken out of context. He also indicated that the chief minister’s proposed direct communication with the royal family made separate talks by him unnecessary.

The controversy comes amid broader discussions about the organisation of Mysuru Dasara, the role of traditional institutions and the government’s responsibility for conducting the celebrations.

Any resolution is likely to depend on discussions between the government and the royal family, particularly regarding arrangements for the Jumboo Savari and the use of the golden howdah.

For now, Yathindra has made it clear that he does not intend to withdraw his remarks or apologise. With Shivakumar expected to engage directly with the royal family, attention will remain on whether the discussions can ease tensions and ensure that the traditional elements of Mysuru Dasara proceed smoothly.