Mysuru: Former Mayor Sandesh Swamy has said that the Mysore Maharajas made unparalleled contributions to the development of the State and that it was inappropriate to make light of the erstwhile Royal Family.

In a press statement, he said the Maharajas undertook several development works in education, healthcare, irrigation, industry and power. By establishing hospitals, schools, colleges and universities for public welfare, they laid a strong foundation for the State’s progress.

After Independence, the Maharajas accepted the democratic system and handed over the administration to the government. In a democratic setup, it was condemnable to ignore history and make disparaging remarks about the Royal Family, he said.

The KRS Dam, built during the rule of the Maharajas, continues to support irrigation and drinking water supply. They also established industries such as the Bhadravathi Steel Plant and the Mysore Sandal Soap Factory. These and several other initiatives stand as testimony to their vision and contribution to the State’s development, the ex-Mayor said.

Against this backdrop, the remark that “a little space has been given for the Royal Family to reside” had hurt the sentiments of Mysureans. Public representatives should exercise caution while making such statements, he urged.