Mysuru, Nov 4 — Amid the controversy over the conduct of the Dasara celebrations, member of the erstwhile Mysuru royal family Pramoda Devi Wadiyar on Wednesday clarified that her letter to the state government contained only suggestions and not directives, while Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said he would look into her concerns and speak with her.
Addressing a press conference in Mysuru, Pramoda Devi said the suggestions were intended to ensure that the Dasara celebrations in the coming years were conducted smoothly and without any issues. She clarified that it was entirely up to the government to consider or reject the suggestions and that she had not dictated any decisions to the government.
She also made it clear that the royal family had not blamed the Karnataka government in any manner. Their objection was specifically regarding the presence and conduct of the state police during the celebrations.
On the issue of the golden howdah, the major attraction of the Dasara festivities, Pramoda Devi reiterated that it was the private property of the royal family. She maintained that neither the golden howdah nor the royal throne came under any government legislation, asserting that both had belonged to the royal family in the past and would continue to remain theirs.
Clarifying the government's payment in connection with the use of the golden howdah, she said it should not be described as royalty. The government first writes to the royal family seeking the golden howdah for the Dasara procession, and the payment is made for using the golden howdah in that context, she explained.
She also stressed the importance of taking the palace into confidence while selecting the elephant to carry the golden howdah during the Dasara procession.
"This is not merely a matter of the royal family's rights. It is also about the safety of the elephant and lakhs of people. There should not be any risk to the mahout or the elephant," she said.
Referring to previous incidents, she said the palace should be consulted before finalising the elephant for the procession. Informing the palace about the elephant selected to carry the golden howdah was the responsibility of the officials, she added.
Meanwhile, responding to a question about Pramoda Devi's dissatisfaction over the Chief Minister's alleged failure to address the mismanagement during Dasara despite an earlier assurance, Shivakumar said he was not aware of the matter.
"We hold the royal family of Karnataka in the highest regard. I cannot act merely on the basis of what you tell me, nor can I respond simply because the media poses a question in a particular manner. I will look into the matter and speak with her," he said.
Earlier, Pramoda Devi Wadiyar of the erstwhile Mysuru royal family expressed deep disappointment and raised serious objections regarding the conduct of the Mysuru Dasara 2026 celebrations in a press statement and letter.
She alleged severe coordination failures among government departments and police personnel, noting that the family was not informed in advance; for instance, having to approach the Deputy Conservator of Forests five days prior just to find out which elephant was selected.
She had raised objections regarding the rude and arrogant behaviour of police personnel near specific gates and restrictions placed during the events.
Minister Yathindra Siddaramaiah stated that the Mysuru Palace and Palace Board fall under state government jurisdiction, and residential space is extended to the former royal family out of respect.
He emphasised that the government does not use the Ambari for free and follows proper official protocols.
When BJP leaders like B.Y. Vijayendra demanded an apology, Yathindra refused to apologise to the Mysuru royal family, stating that the Mysuru Palace and surrounding lands belong to the state government and that his remarks were a direct response to a public statement by Pramoda Devi Wadiyar.