Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah strongly defended the decision to invite acclaimed Kannada writer and International Booker Prize winner Banu Mushtaq to inaugurate this year’s Mysuru Dasara festival.
He emphasised that Dasara is a celebration of unity and culture, not tied 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 stated.
The Chief Minister dismissed criticism against the decision as narrow-minded, branding the detractors as “religious fanatics.”
Historical Legacy of Inclusivity
Highlighting the festival’s long history, Siddaramaiah noted that Dasara has been celebrated under various rulers including Hyder Ali, Tipu Sultan, and Diwan Mirza Ismail. He reiterated that the Naada Habba (State Festival) belongs to all communities.
He also pointed out that eminent personalities such as poet Nisar Ahmed had inaugurated the festival in the past, underlining its inclusive nature.
“Naada festival is for Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Buddhists, Jains – for everyone,” he said.
BJP Criticism of the Congress Government
The move triggered sharp criticism from the opposition. Karnataka BJP president BY Vijayendra accused the Congress government of disrespecting 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 questioned.
Vijayendra also condemned Deputy CM DK Shivakumar’s earlier remark that Chamundi Hills was “not only for Hindus,” calling it an insult to Hindu sentiments.
DK Shivakumar Defends the Decision
Deputy CM Shivakumar responded by accusing the BJP of politicising Dasara for electoral gain.
“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 (Goddess Chamundeshwari) would not approve of it!” he asserted.
Shivakumar also urged Mysuru royal family members not to communalise the festival, stressing that Dasara is Karnataka’s festival, rooted in inclusivity and supported by tradition for centuries.
Dasara: A Festival Beyond Politics
The ongoing debate reflects larger ideological differences between Congress and BJP over secularism and tradition in Karnataka’s cultural landscape. While Congress positions Dasara as a secular, inclusive celebration, the BJP insists it should remain tied to Hindu religious identity.
With Mysuru Dasara drawing lakhs of visitors from India and abroad, the inauguration controversy has now become a political flashpoint ahead of upcoming elections.