BJP Protests Inviting Booker Prize Winner Banu Mushtaq as Chief Guest at Mysore Dasara Festival. Congress and the State Government Support the Decision from a Cultural Perspective.
Karnataka: The Dasara festival of Mysore, which is religiously and culturally very important, has become entangled in the corridors of politics this year. The Karnataka government has invited Booker Prize-winning writer Banu Mushtaq to inaugurate this year's Dasara festival. This decision has stirred up the political parties in the state.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced that International Booker Prize 2025 winner Banu Mushtaq will inaugurate the Dasara festival on September 22, 2025. The BJP has bly attacked this decision and questioned whether the writer believes in Goddess Chamundeshwari.
BJP Launches Fierce Attack, Questions Belief in the Goddess
Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje said that Dasara is a festival of Hindu Dharma and devotion. It cannot be made a platform for appeasement politics. She said that having the first puja of Goddess Chamundeshwari performed by someone who has no faith in the Goddess is an insult to devotion and every devotee.
BJP leader Pratap Simha also said that tradition has always been associated with devotion to Goddess Chamundi. He questioned whether Banu Mushtaq has ever followed our customs or expressed faith in the Goddess. He believes that religiousness is essential in a sacred ritual like the worship of the Goddess.
BJP state president BY Vijayendra said that Banu Mushtaq is respected, but it would be appropriate to inaugurate the event only if she accepts Hindu Dharma and beliefs.
The Grandeur and Tradition of Dasara Festival
Mysore's Dasara festival attracts lakhs of tourists every year. During this time, the procession of Goddess Chamundeshwari with elephants, which is called Jumbo Savari in the local language, is the main center of attraction for devotees and tourists.
In this procession, 12 specially trained elephants carry the idol of the Goddess from Mysore Palace to Bannimantap. It also includes dance, music, torchlight processions and parades of foot soldiers. It reflects the religious and cultural heritage and keeps the tradition of Dasara alive.
Banu Mushtaq Invited as Chief Guest
The Karnataka government has invited Banu Mushtaq as the chief guest due to her literary contribution and international recognition. 77-year-old Banu Mushtaq is a resident of Hassan and her short story collection "Heart Lamp" has presented the struggles of Muslim women in Karnataka in an impressive manner.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said that his decision has been taken with the aim of recognizing literary achievements. Vijayadashami is scheduled to be held on October 2, 2025.
Congress Supports Government's Decision
Home Minister G Parameshwara said that Dasara should not be seen only from a religious point of view. He informed that in the past, people like Nisar Ahmed and Mirza Ismail had also inaugurated Dasara. It is a state festival and religion cannot be made the main basis in it.
Karnataka government minister HK Patil said that Dasara is for everyone and it is unfortunate that some people are linking it with politics. He says that the BJP should reconsider its thinking in this matter.
