A new controversy has surfaced regarding the historic Dasara festival in Mysuru, Karnataka. The state's ruling Congress government has invited renowned writer and Booker Prize winner, Banu Mushtaq, to inaugurate the ceremony.
Bengaluru: A political controversy has deepened in Karnataka regarding the Dasara festival. The Siddaramaiah government had announced that Booker Prize-winning writer Banu Mushtaq would be invited to inaugurate the Mysuru Dasara program this time. The BJP bly objected to this decision by the government and started protesting against it. The opposition says that the government gave importance to political ideology while selecting the invitee.
How did the controversy start in the Dasara program?
The Mysuru Dasara festival is considered a symbol of Karnataka's cultural and religious heritage. Every year this program is organized with great fanfare and it begins with the worship of Goddess Chamundeshwari. This time, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had announced that the program, which is starting from September 22, will be inaugurated by famous writer Banu Mushtaq. The festival will last for 11 days and Vijayadashami will be celebrated on October 2.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had said that Banu Mushtaq is a respected writer of Karnataka and she has played a big role in taking the state's cultural identity to the global level. For this reason, she has been invited as the chief guest of the ceremony this year. But this decision gave rise to political controversy. BJP leader and Mysuru MP Pratap Simha questioned why a Muslim writer is being called to a religious event.
BJP raised questions on the Karnataka government
Pratap Simha said, "I personally respect Banu Mushtaq. She has brought fame to Karnataka in the field of literature. But the question is that Dasara is not just a cultural festival, but also an event of religious importance. It begins with the worship of Goddess Chamundeshwari. In such a situation, is it appropriate to call a writer who does not follow our traditions? Does she have faith in Goddess Chamundeshwari?"
He further added that if Banu Mushtaq presides over the Akhil Bharat Kannada Sahitya Sammelan, it is acceptable, but questions arise about her presence in a religious event.
Know what the Siddaramaiah government said?
On the other hand, the Siddaramaiah government says that Dasara is not just a religious event, but also a festival to promote Karnataka's art, culture and literature. The government argues that by inviting personalities like Banu Mushtaq, it is sending a message that the state's traditions are open to all and great personalities from any religion or community can participate in it.
Congress leaders have accused the BJP of playing politics by inciting religious sentiments. They say that the aim of the Dasara festival is to showcase Karnataka's diversity and unity.
Banu Mushtaq is a well-known writer of Karnataka. She has gained international recognition through her literary works. Recently, she was awarded the Booker Prize, which has given a new identity to Kannada literature at the global level. Her writing reflects a deep perspective on society, culture and human values.
