Yathindra clarifies the “Ambari” remarks, saying that the Maharajas built the palace with public money

Minister Yathindra Siddaramaiah | Photo credit: File Photo

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

In response to the recent remarks of Pramoda Devi Wadiyar of former Mysuru royal family at a press conference here, Dr. Yathindra told reporters that regardless of whether the payment was labeled as royalty or rent, as the royal family clarified, the government paid for its use.

Regarding his earlier remarks that the Palace Council and the palace, except for the portion allocated to the former royal family for his residence, belonged to the Government of Karnataka, Dr. Yathindra said the palace was built with public money, though there is no dispute that it was built by the Maharajas.

“Whether it was the maharajas or the government, it was people’s tax money that went into building the palace. In the end, everything is public property,” he said in response to Ms Wadiyar’s statement.

He, however, admitted that the former royal family had cooperated in organizing Dasara over the years, barring a few instances of confusion. Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has already expressed his intention to speak to the royal family (after the controversy).

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

On allegations by traditional wrestlers that the police denied them entry to the Vajramushti Kalaga Palace on Vijayadashami, Dr. Yathindra said complaints have been received against some officials and action will be taken against them.

It was Dr.’s first response. Yathindry at Ms. Wadiyar’s recent press conference where she addressed various aspects of Dasara-2026 and reacted to his earlier remarks.

Operation Probe Sting

While investigating the alleged sting operation targeting former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah Dr. Yathindra said he has full faith in the government and the ongoing investigation. He expressed confidence that those allegedly involved in the recording and distribution of the video would face prosecution.

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

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

Responding to the Bengaluru Police Commissioner’s statement on the investigation, he said the government wanted the investigation to reach its logical conclusion and that all the evidence, including the mobile phone collected by the police, would be presented in court.

Published – 07 Nov 2026 18:52 IST