MYSURU, 28 JULY 

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's son Yathindra on Monday defended his statement where he compared his father's contribution in Mysuru with those of the esteemed Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar, saying his comments were "misinterpreted" and he had no intention to humiliate or belittle the works of the Wadiyar king.

The Congress MLC also rejected the Opposition's demand for an apology, emphasising his respect for the 24th Maharaja of the Kingdom of Mysuru, who reigned from 1884 till his death in 1940.

Yathindra had claimed that the Congress government led by his father Siddaramaiah had “equalled, if not surpassed” the contribution of Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar in terms of grants given to Mysuru and for the welfare of the city.

"It is being misinterpreted. I did not say it to humiliate Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar. Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar's contribution to the then Mysuru state, or Karnataka State, is immense. My intention was not to lessen his contribution but to speak highly about our government," Yathindra said.

Meanwhile, JD(S) leaders protested in Mysuru against the remarks. 

“Yathindra may compare the development works of his father with other politicians, not with the Mysuru King…. The only achievement of Siddaramaiah is renaming corruption-ridden MUDA as MDA. Yathindra must apologise,” Mysuru JD(S) Chief TK Cheluvegowda said.