MYSURU, 23 JUNE

The inaugural ceremony of the newly built memorial for Dasara elephant Arjuna at Balle in Nagarahole Tiger Reserve was postponed on Monday to 27 June.

Forest Minister Eshwar B Khandre had travelled up to Srirangapatna on his way to Balle Elephant Camp when he suddenly cancelled the event and returned to Bengaluru.

While Khandre cited personal reasons for the change of plans, there are rumours that HD Kote MLA Anil Chikkamadu, who is also chairman of Jungle Lodges and Resorts (JLR), insisted that the minister focus on the elephant problem in the area. Khandre said he would do it some other time, but the MLA put pressure on him.

Chikkamadu, however, said he has no differences with the minister.

Arjuna had been taking part in Mysuru Dasara since 1990 and carried the Golden Howdah during Dasara Procession nine times, including eight successive years. The elephant was retired from Dasara duties in 2020 on completion of 60 years of age. Arjuna also served as a Nishane Elephant in 2023.

Arjuna died during a wild elephant taming operation on 4 December, 2023.