Rajamata Pramodadevi Wadiyar of the Mysuru royal family has threatened to reconsider handing over the Golden Howdah (Ambari) to the Karnataka government in future editions of the Mysuru Dasara festival, alleging police high-handedness and ill-treatment of royal family members during this year's celebrations. The warning has ignited a political firestorm, drawing sharp criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and prompting the ruling Congress government to move swiftly to contain the fallout.

What the Rajamata Alleged

In a letter released to the media on Sunday, Pramodadevi Wadiyar said information about the elephant chosen to carry the Ambari had been withheld from the royal family for nearly 45 years — until the last moment this year. She said she was compelled to seek details herself by directly contacting the Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF).

The Rajamata alleged that royal family members faced police high-handedness and ill-treatment, and questioned the overall manner in which the government managed this year's arrangements. She also noted that the Jatti Kalaga event was cancelled during the Vijayadashami celebrations, adding to the family's grievances.

Pramodadevi maintained that the royal family's Navaratri observances were rooted in religious ritual and bore no connection to the government-organised Dasara spectacle. She warned that if state actions continued to obstruct the family's traditional practices, the royal family could approach the High Court, though it had not done so yet. She also suggested that the Ambari procession from Mysuru Palace to Bannimantap on the occasion of Chamundi Rathotsava could be a more appropriate format going forward.

Government's Response

Urban Development Minister and Mysuru District In-charge Minister Yathindra Siddaramaiah defended the administration, clarifying that the government pays for the use of the Ambari and that the arrangements were made with the cooperation of both parties. He noted that officials had been in touch with the royal family and had invited its members to share their expectations ahead of the festival.

'The Ambari in which the idol of Chamundeshwari is placed is the property of the palace, and we pay for it. Dasara should be conducted properly with the cooperation of the government and the royal family,' he said. Yathindra added that Pramodadevi had issued her letter directly to the media rather than first approaching the government, and assured that officials would now speak to her to address the concerns.

Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara also sought to calm the situation, saying the government had carried forward the tradition in the same manner established since the royal family's administrative role in the celebrations was transitioned to the state. 'Nothing new has been attempted by the Chief Minister. There is no reason for her to feel hurt. If she has felt hurt in any way, we will visit her and rectify the situation,' he said.

BJP Targets Shivakumar

BJP state president B.Y. Vijayendra launched a pointed attack on Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, alleging that the Chief Minister had prioritised personal publicity over Karnataka's cultural traditions. Vijayendra objected specifically to Shivakumar bringing his wife to the Jamboo Savari inauguration and procession, calling it a breach of established convention.

Vijayendra also drew attention to the Bengaluru Chinnaswamy Stadium stampede, which claimed 11 lives, alleging that a publicity contest between former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar had contributed to the controversy around that event. He further criticised the reported absence of photographs of Deputy CM Parameshwara and the district in-charge minister from official Dasara coverage, alleging the ruling party had placed self-promotion above convention.

What Happens Next

The state government has indicated its officials will meet Pramodadevi Wadiyar to address her grievances directly. Yathindra Siddaramaiah reiterated that the palace board and palace land are under government jurisdiction, but stressed that the administration respects the royal family and intends to maintain its cooperation for future Dasara celebrations. The row is likely to keep the spotlight on how Karnataka manages one of India's most prominent cultural festivals heading into the next Dasara cycle.