Although Srikantadatta Narasimharaja Wodeyar technically ceased to be Maharaja, he continued to be the Maharaja of Mysore in the hearts and minds of the people of Mysore. Residents of the city, particularly in the old areas, felt they lost the head of their family with the demise of Wadiyar.
The sorrow of the people was palpable when one visited areas like Ashokpuram, KG Koppalu, Paduvarahalli, Veeranagere, Agrahara and Chamundipuram on Wednesday.
The public and religious figures representing most religions, prayed, seeking the blessings of the almighty to give peace to the departed soul. People from all areas thronged the palace to have a last glimpse of their beloved Maharaja, in Amba Vilas Palace.
Muslim youth led by Shabbir Mustafa, vice-president of SDPI, raised slogans and led a rally on the streets, which culminated at St Philomena’s Circle.
He said the Wadiyar dynasty was generous to all communities. “All our religious leaders gathered at mosques to mourn the death and share in the sorrow of the Wadiyar family, who provided exemplary administration, social harmony and economic growth, besides special opportunities for Dalits and Backward Classes by introducing reservation.” In Mandi Mohalla, Wadiyar’s contributions towards Muslims like giving charity and establishment of orphanages was remembered.
Lathicharge
Police resorted to a lathi charge to disperse a crowd that tried to gain entry through Karikallu Thotti along with Mayor N M Rajeshwari and her entourage.
As the Mayor was accompanied by over 120 people, including corporators, the police denied them entry. She was allowed to enter through the VIP entrance only after 45 minutes but the corporators were asked to enter though the common entrance. Angered, the corporators tried to barge inside. Taking advantage of this, other people too followed them, thus forcing the police to wield their lathis.
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