Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s son, Yathindra Siddaramaiah, on Monday clarified his controversial remarks comparing his father’s contributions to Mysuru with those of revered Maharaja Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar, asserting they were “misinterpreted.” The Congress MLC rejected opposition demands for an apology, emphasizing his respect for the ‘Rajarshi’ (sage-king), celebrated for his transformative rule over the erstwhile Mysuru state from 1884 to 1940. Yathindra’s initial claim that Siddaramaiah’s government had “equalled, if not surpassed” Wadiyar’s grants to Mysuru sparked outrage, particularly from the BJP and JD(S).

Speaking to reporters in Mysuru, Yathindra clarified, “I had no intention to belittle Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar’s immense contributions to Karnataka. My point was that no other Chief Minister has allocated as many grants to Mysuru as my father.” He challenged the opposition to verify budgetary statistics, asserting Siddaramaiah’s unmatched financial support for the region. The 14 districts of the former Mysuru state, including Mysuru, Mandya, and Chamarajanagar, have seen significant infrastructure and welfare investments under Siddaramaiah’s tenure, Yathindra claimed, citing projects like the Mysuru-Bengaluru expressway and enhanced irrigation schemes.

The opposition, led by BJP’s R Ashoka, slammed Yathindra’s remarks as disrespectful to Wadiyar, a figure revered for building landmarks like the Krishna Raja Sagar Dam and fostering education and industry. Mysuru BJP MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, a scion of the royal family, called the comparison unnecessary, stating, “Leadership is about fulfilling promises, not outdoing the past.” He noted the emotional weight of the issue for locals, leaving any apology to Yathindra’s discretion. The controversy, amplified on social media platforms like X, has reignited debates over political legacies versus historical reverence, with some accusing Congress of exploiting regional pride ahead of local elections.

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