Controversy Surrounds Dasara Festival Inauguration
Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah defends inviting Booker Prize winner Banu Mushtaq to inaugurate Mysuru Dasara, a state festival. BJP protests alleging discrimination against Hindu traditions, citing Mushtaq's controversial past comments. Mushtaq insists her words were distorted. The festival, celebrating Goddess Chamundeshwari, involves inclusive participation across faiths.
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Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah reiterated his support for inviting International Booker Prize winner Banu Mushtaq to inaugurate this year's Mysuru Dasara, emphasizing the festival's inclusivity as a 'Nada Habba' or state festival.
Amidst BJP's calls for a 'Chamundeshwari temple chalo' rally, Siddaramaiah countered accusations that his government targets Hindu religious centers. BJP's objections stemmed from Mushtaq's alleged controversial remarks about Kannada language's deification, which she claims were distorted.
As Dasara approaches, traditionally marked by floral tributes to Goddess Chamundeshwari, the debate continues over Mushtaq's role in the inauguration and broader questions of religious participation in state celebrations.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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