He noted that, in 2017, Muslim writer KS Nisar Ahmed had inaugurated the festivities by showering flower petals on the idol of goddess Chamundeshwari.
Published Aug 31, 2025 | 2:33 PM ⚊ Updated Aug 31, 2025 | 3:23 PM
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah
Synopsis: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said that those who oppose the decision to invite Banu Mushtaq for the inauguration of Mysuru Dasara festivities are unaware of history. Right-wing associated people, including BJP leaders, opposed the move, claiming that Dasara is a Hindu religious festival and not a government programme.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said on Sunday, 31 August, that those who oppose the decision to invite International Booker Prize winner Banu Mushtaq for the inauguration of Mysuru Dasara festivities are unaware of history.
“The decision to give (Banu) Mushtaq an opportunity to inaugurate Mysuru Dasara this year has been taken after the high-power committee vested responsibility in me. This is not the first time. Earlier, in 2017, Muslim writer KS Nisar Ahmed had inaugurated the festivities by showering flower petals on the idol of goddess Chamundeshwari,” He said.
“Mysuru Dasara festival is everyone’s festival — of Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Jains, and others. Those who are opposing it do not know history,” the chief minister said.
In a social media post on 22 August, Siddaramaiah had announced that Mushtaq would be inaugurating this year’s Mysuru Dasara.
“Associated with the farmers’ movement and the Kannada movement, Banu Mushtaq is also a progressive thinker. By having her inaugurate Dasara, the government is honouring her achievements,” the chief minister had said.
However, right-wing associated people, including BJP leaders, opposed the move, claiming that Dasara is a Hindu religious festival and not a government programme. Their primary point of contention is that Mushtaq belongs to a different faith from Hinduism.
“Banu Mushtaq is from another faith. Does she believe in Goddess Chamundeshwari? How will she be the right person to inaugurate it?” BJP leader and Mysore MP Pratap Simha had asked.
The Udupi district police had also booked two persons in separate cases for their social media posts against the government’s decision to invite Mushtaq to inaugurate Mysuru Dasara.
It is also important to note that artists belonging to other faiths, including AR Rahman, have performed at the Mysuru Dasara over the years.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil with inputs from Anisha Reddy.)
