Karnataka Minister Yathindra Siddaramaiah rejects Pramoda Devi’s Jamboo Savari suggestion, says government ready to address grievances

Minister in charge of Mysuru district Yathindra Siddaramaiah told reporters that the Palace Board and the palace, barring the portion allotted to the erstwhile royal family for its residence, belong to the government of Karnataka, and the government had the authority to decide how Dasara should be conducted, in Mysuru on October 26, 2026. | Photo Credit: M A Sriram

Minister in charge of Mysuru district Yathindra Siddaramaiah rejected a suggestion by Pramoda Devi Wadiyar of the erstwhile royal family of Mysuru to hold the Jamboo Savari on the day of Rathothsava instead of Vijayadashami, even as he said the government of Karnataka is ready to address the royal family’s grievances over the conduct of Dasara festivities.

Speaking to reporters in Mysuru on October 26, Mr. Yathindra said it would not be possible to shift the Jamboo Savari to the day of the Rathothsava, or chariot festival, to keep the palace premises free for the erstwhile royals to perform Ayudha Pooja and Vijayadashami rituals without external interference.

“However, this is my personal opinion. I am yet to discuss the matter with the Chief Minister,” he said.

Mr. Yathindra rejected Ms. Wadiyar’s suggestion to restrict cultural programmes at the palace to the first seven days of the Dasara festivities.

Pointing out that the Palace Board and the palace, barring the portion allotted to the erstwhile royal family for its residence, belong to the government of Karnataka, he said the government had the authority to decide how Dasara should be conducted. While the final decision on the festivities would rest with the government, he said, discussions could be held with the erstwhile royals to ensure smooth coordination.

Asked about reports that Ms. Wadiyar had threatened to move court or withhold the golden howdah from the Jamboo Savari, Mr. Yathindra said the government would deal with the situation when it arose.

However, he said, there was no need for the erstwhile royals to resort to such ‘extreme’ measures, as the government is willing to resolve their grievances.

Mr. Yathindra also clarified that the government of Karnataka did not use the golden howdah, or Ambari, free of cost, but paid the erstwhile royals for it.

“Of course, the Ambari belongs to the palace. We take it from them on the day of Jamboo Savari. They do not give it for free. We give money and take it,” he said.

He emphasised that co-operation between the government and the erstwhile royal family is essential for the smooth conduct of Dasara.

While reiterating that the palace, barring the portion occupied by the erstwhile royals, belongs to the Government, Mr/. Yathindra said the government had accorded due respect to the royal family and make efforts to secure its cooperation for the successful conduct of the festivities.

“We will continue to do so in future too,” he said.

Acknowledging the need for coordination between the government and palace authorities, he said the Dasara celebrations involved religious rituals performed by the erstwhile royal family, and it was the government’s responsibility to facilitate them.

However, the government had been officially organising Dasara as Nada Habba since the early 1970s, he recalled.

Mr. Yathindra said government representatives were in regular touch with the erstwhile royals, including Ms. Wadiyar, ahead of Dasara to seek their co-operation and ascertain their expectations from the government.

Referring to Ms. Wadiyar’s decision to release her letter directly to the media, he said she could have brought her concerns to the attention of the government.

Claiming that the Dasara festival had passed off smoothly without any problem other than the issue related to cancellation of Vajramushti Kalaga on the Vijayadhashami, Mr. Yathindra said the government will either send an official emissary to meet Ms. Wadiyar or issue a formal reply to her grievances.

Published - October 26, 2026 04:42 pm IST