Mysuru: On the Royal Family being kept in the dark till the last moment on the selection of the Ambari elephant, Dr. Yathindra Siddaramaiah said the Forest Department finalised the choice at the last minute after considering the names of Mahendra, Dhananjaya and Prashantha.

“There is no obligation to inform them about which elephant will carry the Ambari,” he said, adding that the delay in finalising the elephant could have led to the delay in communicating the decision to the royal family.

Police report on Vajramushti cancellation

 On the cancellation of the traditional Vajramushti Kalaga, he said there were differing versions of the incident, with Pramoda Devi Wadiyar raising concerns and the Police maintaining that the wrestlers had arrived late. “The matter is being examined. We are trying to determine where exactly the lapse occurred,” the Minister said.

He said the Government had been in touch with the Royal Family from the beginning and had sought its co-operation in conducting Dasara. “We have provided all possible support from the beginning. Except for the confusion surrounding Vajramushti Kalaga on Vijayadashami Day, no other issues arose,” he said.

Responding to allegations of Police interference, the Minister said there appeared to have been a lack of co-ordination between the Jettis and the Police. He also acknowledged concerns over unauthorised persons entering areas where arrangements for the Ambari were being made.

“These issues can be resolved through discussions. We are ready to address concerns regarding Police conduct,” he said.

Dr. Yathindra said the Government would seek a report from the Police Commissioner before responding to the allegations. “We will obtain a report from the Police Commissioner and then provide an appropriate response,” he added.