‘Pramoda Devi’s concerns must be addressed; CM must intervene’

Mysuru: Former Minister and current Narasimharaja MLA Tanveer Sait indirectly expressed displeasure with District Minister Dr. Yathindra Siddaramaiah, saying that the suggestions made by Mysore Royal Family member Pramoda Devi Wadiyar in her letter on the Dasara controversies were important.

He said it was not a good sign that some people continued the debate despite Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar making it clear that issues should be resolved through dialogue. Speaking to reporters at his residence in Udayagiri yesterday, Sait said a committee should be formed to examine suggestions in Pramoda Devi’s letter and a meeting be held under CM’s leadership.

“It is Nada Habba and a State Festival. People are making public statements and engaging in arguments over who is superior and who holds more influence. I urge the CM to direct the District Administration to hold a meeting with Royal Family,” he said.

“I had remained silent despite the many injustices during Dasara, but I will not tolerate this any longer. The erstwhile Royal Family has its own dignity and historical significance. One must be careful while speaking about them. Such statements do not reflect good culture or etiquette,” Sait said.

“The Golden Howdah is under the State Government. Relationships should not break but become stronger. The contribution of the Mysore Maharajas to the State is immense. Navaratri traditionally begins on the first day and Vijayadashami is celebrated on the tenth day. Very few know when the Rathotsava is held. We must understand what can and cannot be done,” the MLA said.

Not good culture  or language

He said the use of expressions such as “the Palace is ours” and “we paid money for the Howdah” did not reflect good culture or language. Lakhs of people come to witness Dasara and differences are natural. Whatever the issue, there is always room for discussion. The CM has already said that matters can be resolved and such issues should be settled through dialogue rather than public debate, he said.

“Those in authority have traditionally had the final say. We must accord due respect to members of the Royal Family. Any shortcomings should be addressed through discussions. I will not comment on how Minister Dr. Yathindra conducted Dasara. I will try to meet him and share my experiences,” he said.

Training domestic animals and taking them forward is one thing, but bringing trained wild elephants to carry the Golden Howdah is entirely different. There was uncertainty over the choice of the elephant to carry the Howdah this year, Sait said.

“I was worried about elephant Prashantha until the very end. Considering the growing human-elephant conflict, we will have to wait and see what happens next year. Elephants do not listen to everyone. They obey only their mahouts and kavadis. There was no discussion after Dasara on its successes and shortcomings. Now there is an opportunity to do so. Holding talks with the Mysore Royal Family would be good,” he said.

Constitution Day

Responding to separate Constitution Day celebrations being organised by former Minister Dr. H.C. Mahadevappa and former CM Siddaramaiah, he said, “Whoever wants to compete, let them compete. If they invite me, I will attend. T. Narasipur and Varuna are part of Mysuru district. I welcome both programmes, even if they are separate shows of strength.”

Sait said the friendship between Siddaramaiah and Dr. Mahadevappa would never break. Differences arise from time to time and that is natural. “One cannot eat sweets on every occasion,” he remarked.

He said speculation that Dr. Mahadevappa and Siddaramaiah were drifting apart was a media creation. Both had enjoyed positions of power and when Siddaramaiah lost power, Mahadevappa too lost power along with him. There is no ill-feeling between them, he maintained.

Referring to a breakfast meeting convened by Dr. Yathindra Siddaramaiah,  said he could not attend as he was on tour.

“Even that has become news. We go where we need to go and avoid places where we need not. I did not go yesterday, but if I am invited tomorrow and offered a meal, I will attend,” MLA Sait remarked.