“Dasara Not Secular”: BJP Slams Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah For Inviting Muslim Author To Inaugurate Hindu Festival

The Karnataka government’s decision to invite Booker Prize-winning author and activist Banu Mushtaq to inaugurate the Mysuru Dasara celebrations has triggered a political controversy.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Pratap Simha questioned the move, asking why a Muslim was chosen to open what he described as a religious festival, reported NDTV.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday (22 August) announced that Mushtaq would inaugurate the world-famous Dasara Mahotsav on 22 September, with Vijaya Dashami to be observed on 2 October.

“Banu Musthaq, a writer from Hassan in Karnataka, will inaugurate the world-famous Dasara Mahotsav this year,” he said.

Highlighting her Booker Prize-winning anthology Hrudaya Deepa, he added, “It is a matter of pride and joy for us that a woman writer from Karnataka received this honour. It is significant that a woman has been invited to inaugurate Dasara.”

The 77-year-old author, who has long engaged with farmers’ organisations, Kannada agitations, and progressive movements, won the prestigious prize this year for 12 short stories that portray the daily struggles of Muslim women in southern India.

When asked about the criticism, she declined to respond. “I have been invited. Only the invitee has to comment on this,” she told NDTV, confirming she would attend.

Pratap Simha acknowledged her literary achievements but opposed the invitation. “The Dasara celebration is not a secular event, it's a religious celebration… Does Banu Mushtaq believe in Goddess Chamundeshwari? And does she follow our rituals?” he asked.

State BJP chief BY Vijayendra also questioned why translator Deepa Bhasthi, who shared the Booker recognition, was not invited.

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