Mysuru: Taking strong exception to District Minister Dr. Yathindra Siddaramaiah’s remarks about the erstwhile Mysore Royal Family, former Minister A.H. Vishwanath (AHV) said the comments had hurt many people who held the Mysore rulers in high regard.

Addressing a press conference at Jaladarshini Guest House yesterday, Vishwanath, a former MLC and MP, said people valued the contributions made by the Mysore Maharajas to public welfare more than legal arguments.

He said the remarks had come from a Minister with little political experience and accused Dr. Yathindra of following in the footsteps of his father, Siddaramaiah, in taking on the Royal Family.

Recalling the role played by Srikantadatta Narasimharaja Wadiyar, then a prominent Congress leader, in campaigning for Siddaramaiah during the 2006 Chamundeshwari Assembly by-election, Vishwanath said the support had contributed significantly to Siddaramaiah’s victory.

Siddaramaiah should remember that he might not have remained in politics had he lost that crucial election, Vishwanath said. It was unfortunate that he had forgotten the support extended by the Royal Family and continued to target it, he added. Vishwanath also said it would be inappropriate to comment on Palace properties while the matter was pending before the Supreme Court.

‘Bombay Days’ book

Asked about the release of his much-awaited book, ‘Bombay Days’, Vishwanath said he had decided against releasing it for now, as it could create a stir in political circles.

Politics today has become polluted and corrupt, he said, adding that he is not associated with any political party at present.