Earlier in the day, Mushtaq inaugurated the festivities despite facing resistance from right-wing outfits, including the BJP, since she belonged to a different faith.
Published Sep 22, 2025 | 3:54 PM ⚊ Updated Sep 22, 2025 | 3:54 PM
Siddaramaiah in Mysuru. (X)
Synopsis: Siddaramaiah said that only those who uphold the constitutional values of tolerance are true Indians. “Our constitution is secular and religion-neutral. The High Court-Supreme Court has upheld this. Only those who take pride in being Indian will take pride in the constitution. If we want to know our rights and responsibilities, we must know the constitution,” he said.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday, 22 September, hit back at the critics for opposing International Booker Prize-winning writer Banu Mushtaq, inaugurating the world-famous Mysuru Dasara Mahotsava 2025.
While addressing the gathering, he said, “More than being a Muslim woman, Banu Mushtaq is a human being, we are all part of the same humanity; if you fail to love each other, that is not humanity.” He urged people to not spread hate on the basis of religion or caste.
Hitting back at critics Siddaramaiah said, “Twisting history and doing self-interested politics is an unforgivable crime. If you’re going to do politics, do it in the elections. Doing low-level politics in the matter of the state festival is petty.”
He further said that only those who uphold the constitutional values of tolerance are true Indians. “Our constitution is secular and religion-neutral. The High Court-Supreme Court has upheld this. Only those who take pride in being Indian will take pride in the constitution. If we want to know our rights and responsibilities, we must know the constitution,” he said.
Earlier in the day, Mushtaq inaugurated the festivities despite facing resistance from right-wing outfits, including the BJP, since she belonged to a different faith.
“We inaugurated the Dasara festival with the blessings of Goddess Chamundeshwari. My close friend once told me she would take me to Chamundi Hill. But today, Goddess Chamundeshwari herself has called me here. Though some opposition voices were raised, the goddess has brought me here. I stand before you under her grace, and this is the greatest honour of my life,” Mushtaq said.
“This is the festival of our land’s culture and harmony. Every person born on this soil has the eligibility to participate. This is a festival that includes everyone,” she added.
(Edited by Sumavarsha, with inputs from Anisha Reddy)
