PM expresses grief over elephant Balarama's death

BENGALURU: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday expressed grief over the death of 'Balarama', the elephant which created a history by carrying Dasara golden howdah for a record 13 times in a row during the historical dasara celebrations in Mysuru city of Karnataka.

PM Modi tweeted in Kannada on Monday, “for many years, the king of elephants Balarama was the main attraction of Dasara festival. People remember him carrying the idol of goddess Chamundeshwari. He was loved by innumerable people. His passing away has brought sadness. Om Shanthi.”

Balarama, the 65-year-old elephant, which was unwell for 15 days, died at Bheemanakatte camp of Nagarahole Tiger Reserve on Sunday.

The last rites of the elephant were conducted on Monday with all respects. Balarama suffered from a throat infection and had stopped taking food and water.

Balarama had participated in Dasara for more than 22 times and it had carried the golden howdah 13 times between 1999 to 2011. Balarama was known for its majestic size and quiet nature.