Mysuru-Kodagu Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP and Mysuru royal scion Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar on Saturday, 24 October 2026, called for a well-defined ceremonial protocol for the Nandi Dhwaja Puja during the Mysuru Dasara festival, saying the presence of a large gathering was neither necessary nor appropriate for the sacred ritual.

His remarks came in the wake of a political controversy that erupted after Karnataka police officers briefly barred senior Dalit ministers from attending the traditional Nandi Dhwaja worship, drawing sharp criticism from across the political spectrum.

What Yaduveer Said

Speaking to reporters in Mysuru, Yaduveer argued that the attendance of the Chief Minister and one or two officials would be fully sufficient for the ritual. He noted that in earlier years, that had indeed been the norm.

'First, let them clarify what the protocol is. I am not aware of the existence of any such protocol. It is enough if two people accompany the Chief Minister on the occasion. Why should everyone want to go there?' he said.

Yaduveer added that he had represented the Mysuru royal family at the Dasara rituals for the past 12 years at the direction of Rajamata, and that the family had never insisted on a large turnout. 'This is a programme organised by the government, and it has to decide and proceed accordingly. I feel that having fewer people would be better, as the rituals must be prioritised and conducted appropriately,' he said.

The Political Controversy

The incident involving Dalit ministers being momentarily blocked at the venue has put the Karnataka government on the defensive, raising questions about both access and intent. Critics argue the episode exposed the absence of a transparent, codified ceremonial framework — an oversight that Yaduveer himself acknowledged.

He called on the government to formally define the protocol and publicly commit to following it from next year's Dasara onwards. 'Merely making allegations would not be appropriate. I will raise these issues at the proper forum,' he said.

On Guest Chief Ministers and Floral Tributes

Yaduveer welcomed the participation of the Chief Ministers of Kerala and Telangana in this year's celebrations, saying their invitation brought valuable publicity to the festival. He also stated there was nothing objectionable about invited guests offering floral tributes to Goddess Chamundeshwari.

'If they are invited and then not allowed to offer floral tributes, how is that possible? That is why I insist a clear protocol should be in place. Having a framework would be better,' he said.

Jatti Kalaga Cancellation and Rajamata's Remarks

On the cancellation of the traditional Jatti Kalaga event, Yaduveer said his mother, Rajamata Pramodadevi Wadiyar, would provide an official statement and that further reactions from the royal family would follow thereafter.

Separately, Rajamata Pramodadevi Wadiyar said she had been anxious about elephant Prashanth, which carried the golden howdah of Goddess Chamundeshwari for the first time during this year's Dasara procession. She said the elephant performed remarkably well, remained calm throughout, and caused no disruption. 'There had never been any concern earlier, but this time I was worried,' she said, adding that both the elephant and the howdah were beautifully adorned.

With lessons from this year's festival now openly debated, the government faces mounting pressure to formalise Dasara ceremonial norms well ahead of next year's celebrations.