Pramoda Devi Wadiyar of the erstwhile Mysore royal family has voiced her profound concerns and objections regarding recent developments surrounding the Dasara festival and the Sri Chamundeshwari Temple. Her statements highlight a dispute between the royal family and the Karnataka state government, primarily concerning the management and control of the Chamundeshwari Temple and surrounding properties atop Chamundi Hills.

Wadiyar has expressed her dismay over the government's enactment of the Shree Chamundeshwari Kshetra Development Authority Act 2024, which she views as an attempt to seize ownership, control, and management of the Chamundeshwari Temple and other temples on Chamundi Hills under the guise of development and maintenance. She argues that this act is unconstitutional and a violation of the long-standing traditions and agreements that recognize the royal family's rights over the temple.

Central to Wadiyar's argument is the historical context of the Chamundeshwari Temple's ownership. She asserts that the temple and its associated properties have been under the management of her family since they were listed as private property by the state in 1950. This arrangement, she contends, was further reinforced by a 1972 order from the central government. Wadiyar claims the Chamundeshwari Temple is a denominational temple intricately linked to the royal family, following a unique sampradaya. She also stresses that the temples should not be commercially exploited at the expense of their divinity and religious sanctity.

The Karnataka High Court has intervened in the dispute, issuing a temporary stay against the implementation of the Chamundeshwari Kshetra Development Authority Act following a petition filed by Wadiyar. She had approached the court, deeming the Act "illegal and arbitrary". Despite this stay order, the state government, led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, proceeded with a meeting of the Authority atop Chamundi Hills, claiming that the stay order had been vacated. This move was met with strong objection from the erstwhile royal family, who viewed it as a violation of the court's interim order.

Wadiyar has emphasized that her family is prepared to manage Chamundi Hill themselves, preserving its natural state and traditions, if the court and government approve. She has also stated that political influence would not deter their efforts to protect their ancestral properties.

Furthermore, with the 10-day Dasara festival approaching, the District Minister Dr. H.C. Mahadevappa extended an invitation to Pramoda Devi Wadiyar on behalf of the State Government. The Minister also presented her with the royalty cheque. The dispute remains ongoing, with the High Court scheduled to further consider the interim order. The core issues revolve around the ownership, management, and preservation of the Chamundeshwari Temple, as well as the role of the state government in its development and maintenance.