Yaduveer opposes CM Siddaramaiah’s name for ‘KRS’ road and bats for protecting the historical significance of the stretch

Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar

Opposing Mysuru City Corporation’s (MCC) proposal to rename a stretch of the ‘KRS’ road after Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, BJP MP for Mysuru Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar said there is a need to preserve the historical significance of the stretch of the road that also houses PK Sanatorium, a tuberculosis hospital established by the erstwhile Maharaja of Mysuru.

Though popularly known as KRS Road, Mr. Yaduveer said it was officially named the Princess Road during the princely days after two distinguished princesses – Princess Krishnajammanni Avaru and Princess Cheluvajammanni Avaru. Both were the daughters of Maharaja Chamaraja Wadiyar and Maharani Kempananjammanni of Vanivilasa Sannidhana.

Mr. Yaduveer, who is also the scion of the erstwhile royal family of Mysuru, said he would have no objection to naming other roads after the Chief Minister in recognition of his contribution. “Several roads including newly built ones are there. Let them identify an appropriate road and name it after him. We will also join the efforts,” he said.

The MP also questioned the MCC’s move to name the stretch of road from Sri Lakshmi Venkataramanaswamy Temple to Outer Ring Road as Siddaramaiah Arogya Marga in the absence of an elected body.

“How can the MCC officials take such a decision in the absence of an elected body? It is a serious violation,” Mr. Yaduveer said, adding that necessary steps will be taken in the coming days to challenge the civic body’s decision.

Meanwhile, taking to X (earlier Twitter), the MP said the road honours not only Princess Krishnajammanni Avaru, whose memory lives through PK Sanatorium established in her name, but also Princess Cheluvajammanni Avaru, whose residence Cheluvamba Mansion now houses the Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI) is also located on the road.

Princess Krishnajammanni Avaru’s life was marked by personal tragedy and significant contributions to Mysuru’s history. Married to Col. Jagirdar Desraj Urs, she and her three daughters succumbed to tuberculosis between 1904 and 1913. To honour her memory, her family donated 100 acres of land to establish the Princess Krishnajammanni Sanatorium (PKTB Hospital). Her brother Maharaja Nalvadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar built the Karanji Mansion, which became her family’s residence until it was sold to the Government of India in 1964.

Further, Mr. Wadiyar dwelt upon the erstwhile royal family’s vision for healthcare. “In 1918, Maharani Kempananjammanni laid the foundation stone for the sanatorium on the outskirts of Mysuru. Col. Desraj Urs contributed ₹75,000 at that time for its construction and facilities. Opened in 1921, the hospital served as a dedicated tuberculosis treatment center. It has since expanded to house multiple facilities, including Jayadeva Heart Hospital, Trauma Care Centre, and Super Speciality Hospital.

“Renaming it to Siddaramaiah Arogya Marga would erase an important connection to the city’s heritage”, he said and termed such a move “inappropriate”.

“While respecting modern leaders and their contributions, the renaming of Princess Road diminishes the historical narrative and legacy of Mysuru. The road already holds deep cultural significance due to the history of PK Sanatorium and Cheluvamba Mansion. Erasing these names disregards the royal family’s monumental efforts in healthcare and community service. The rich history of Princess Road must be preserved,” Mr. Yaduveer said.