Royalty for Ambari justified by commercial use: Pramoda Devi

Pramoda Devi Wadiyar of the Mysuru royal family justified the collection of royalty from the Karnataka government for the use of the Ambari during Jamboo Savari, citing its commercial exploitation through ticket sales and use in Dasara publicity. She was responding to Minister Yathindra Siddaramaiah’s statement that the government paid Rs 80 lakh for the Ambari’s use on 21 October 2026. The payment has been a long-standing practice, she said.

At a press conference on 2 November in Mysuru, she alleged the government has not complied with a 1997 Karnataka High Court order to return portions of Mysuru Palace to the family within 30 days. The Mysore Palace (Acquisition and Transfer) Act, 1998, she argued, does not cover the family’s private properties, a list of which was submitted to the Union government in 1947 and confirmed by V P Menon in 1951. She added that police restrictions affected traditional Dasara ceremonies.

Pramoda Devi said her family’s continued residence in the palace was not a government favour but tied to subsisting High Court orders. She expressed willingness to meet the chief minister and ministers for talks on all outstanding issues.

Update, 5 November 2026: Deccan Herald now also reports the press conference, confirming Pramoda Devi’s statement that her family’s residence in Mysuru Palace is protected by High Court orders, not government favour. It adds that she pointed to a 1950 agreement and a 1972 Union Home Ministry communication recognising private properties of rulers. No new government response is reported.