Yathindra clarifies ‘Ambari’ remarks, says Maharajas built palace with public money

Minister Yathindra Siddaramaiah

Minister in-charge of Mysuru district Yathindra Siddaramaiah on Saturday clarified that he had never claimed that the ‘Ambari’ and the royal throne belonged to the government, but had only stated that the government paid rent to the erstwhile royal family for using the ‘Ambari’, or the golden howdah, during the Jamboo Savari.

Responding to recent remarks by Pramoda Devi Wadiyar of the erstwhile Mysuru royal family at a press conference, Dr. Yathindra told reporters here that irrespective of whether the payment was termed royalty or rent, as clarified by the royal family, the government had paid for its use.

Regarding his earlier remarks that the Palace Board and the palace, except for the portion allotted to the erstwhile royal family for its residence, belonged to the Karnataka government, Dr. Yathindra said the palace had been built with public money, though there was no dispute that it was constructed by the Maharajas.

“Whether it was the Maharajas or the government, it was the people’s tax money that went into building the palace. Ultimately, everything is a public asset,” he said, responding to Ms. Wadiyar’s statement.

However, he acknowledged that the erstwhile royal family had been cooperative over the years in organising Dasara, barring a few instances of confusion. Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar had already expressed his intention to speak to the royal family (following the controversy).

“The government expects the family to continue extending its support as in the past, as Dasara is the people’s festival or Nada Habba,” he said, adding that the celebrations were organised for the people.

On allegations by traditional wrestlers that the police had denied them entry into the palace for the Vajramushti Kalaga on Vijayadashami, Dr. Yathindra said complaints had been received against some officials and action would be taken against them.

It was Dr. Yathindra’s first response to Ms. Wadiyar’s recent press conference, in which she had addressed various aspects of Dasara-2026 and responded to his earlier remarks.

On the investigation into the alleged sting operation targeting former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Dr. Yathindra said he had complete faith in the government and the ongoing investigation. He expressed confidence that those allegedly involved in recording and circulating the video would face action.

He said Mr. Siddaramaiah had conveyed his version of the political developments to Rahul Gandhi during his recent visit to Delhi. “He had conveyed his version (on the alleged sting operation) to the leader,” he said, adding that they were patiently awaiting the outcome of the investigation and action against those responsible.

“We are confident that those behind the sting video and those who circulated it will be dealt with,” he said.

Reacting to the Bengaluru Police Commissioner’s statement on the investigation, he said the government wanted the probe to reach a logical conclusion and that all evidence, including the mobile phone, gathered by the police would be submitted to the court.