Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Sunday defended the state government’s decision to invite renowned Kannada writer and Booker Prize winner Banu Mushtaq to inaugurate this year’s Mysuru Dasara, stressing that the festival is inclusive and not confined to any single religion.
“Dussehra is a non-religious festival. Everyone celebrates the Dasara Naada festival. Therefore, it is appropriate for it to be inaugurated by writer and activist Banu Mushtaq,” Siddaramaiah told reporters, adding that the decision was taken by a high-level committee under his authority.
Calling those opposing the decision "bigots who don’t know history," Siddaramaiah pointed out that the festival had been celebrated under Hyder Ali, Tipu Sultan, and Diwan Mirza Ismail. "It is a secular festival, so I decided that the International Booker Prize winner should be invited. Some bigots are speaking against it; they need to learn history if they don’t know," he said.
The CM pointed out that writers like Poet Nisar Ahmed have inaugurated Dasara in the past, underscoring its inclusive tradition. “Naada festival is a festival for everyone. It is a festival for Hindus, Christians, Buddhists, Jains,” he said.
Siddaramaiah lashed out at critics, calling them “religious fanatics.” He added: “When the Maharaja was not in power, even Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan celebrated Dussehra. Mirza Ismail, who was the Diwan, celebrated Dussehra. This is a non-religious festival… Only religious fanatics talk about Banu Mushtaq being chosen as the inaugurator. They do not know history; it is good to know history.”
BJP, however, questioned the choice of Mushtaq. Karnataka BJP president BY Vijayendra alleged the Congress government was insulting Hindu traditions.
“The problem is not with the BJP but with the mindset of the ruling Congress party… Why did Siddaramaiah not think of inviting both Banu Mushtaq and Deepa Bhasthi?” he asked, pointing out that translator Deepa Bhasthi won the International Booker Prize for translating Mushtaq’s Heart Lamp.
Vijayendra also took aim at Deputy CM DK Shivakumar’s earlier remark that Chamundi Hills is “not only for Hindus,” calling it offensive to religious sentiments.
Responding to criticism from Mysuru royal family member Yaduveer Wadiyar, Deputy CM Shivakumar urged against communalising the iconic festival.
“Our region's festival - Dasara, our region's deity - Chamundeshwari… Her darshan is the right of everyone. Mother is the asset of all devotees, of all the children of the region, not limited to anyone,” he posted on X.
Shivakumar accused the BJP of deliberately stoking controversy. “Creating controversy is the BJP's principle! Everyone from all religions and communities has access to Chamundi Hill… One should not do politics in the name of religion; even that Mother would not approve of it!”
He noted that Dasara attracts people from across the country and abroad, with the royal family historically supporting its inclusive nature.
*With Agency Inputs
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