But the Congress government’s decision has set off a political row in the state. Several leaders from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have criticised the choice, questioning the renowned writer’s suitability for the role.
The controversy
The controversy started when Chief Minister Siddaramaiah declared that Mushtaq would kick off this year’s Mysuru Dasara celebrations. He said, “The inauguration of the world-famous Dasara this year will be done by International Booker Prize winner Banu Mushtaq. Her story collection ‘Hridaya Deepa’ (Heart Lamp) got her the prize. A woman from Karnataka getting the International Booker Prize is a happy occasion.”
“Banu Mushtaq has come from a background of struggle for various causes. She has worked in the Raita Sangha, Kannada Chaluvali. She is a progressive thinker. Such a woman has been invited for the Dasara inauguration. I have spoken to her,” Siddaramaiah added.
BJP criticise the move
The decision sparked a political debate. On Monday, Karnataka Leader of Opposition and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA R Ashoka criticised the move and alleged that Siddaramaiah had insulted Hindu traditions. He accused the Congress government of ‘tarnishing the Hindu religion’ and described Chief Minister Siddaramaiah as having a ‘Tipu mentality’.
Koppal, Karnataka: On Booker Prize winner Banu Mushtaq to inaugurate Mysore Dasara festival 2025, BJP MLA and Karnataka LoP R. Ashoka says, “Dussehra is a festival of Hindus. In Islam, idol worship is forbidden. If Banu Mushtaq does this, her religion will be opposed…Why should… pic.twitter.com/PprU1fhief
— ANI (@ANI) August 25, 2025
Expelled BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal stated that he respects Mushtaq but, “her inaugurating Dasara by offering flowers and lighting the lamp to Goddess Chamundeshwari seems to be in conflict with her own religious beliefs.”
In a post on X, he wrote, “Madam needs to clarify whether she continues to follow Islam, which emphasises belief in only one God and one holy book, or whether she now believes that all paths ultimately lead to the same moksha.”
I personally hold respect for Bhanu Mushtaq madam as a writer and activist. However, her inaugurating Dasara by offering flowers and lighting the lamp to Goddess Chamundeshwari seems to be in conflict with her own religious beliefs. Madam needs to clarify whether she continues to…
— Basanagouda R Patil (Yatnal) (@BasanagoudaBJP) August 24, 2025
Former Mysuru MP and BJP leader Prathap Simha echoed similar views. Speaking to reporters in Mysuru on Sunday, he said, “I personally respect Banu Mushtaq for her achievement. It is acceptable when she chairs the Akhila Bharata Kannada Sahitya Sammelana, but not Dasara, a Hindu religious event which starts with offering pooja to Goddess Chamundeshwari. Does she have faith in Chamundeshwari Devi? Is she following our traditions?”
R Raghu Kautilya, president of the BJP state OBC Morcha, argued that Mushtaq and translator Deepa Basti both deserve honours at the Dasara festival and that inviting only Mushtaq demonstrates the Congress government’s partiality.
VIDEO | Mysuru, Karnataka: On Booker Prize winner Banu Mushtaq to inaugurate this year’s Dasara festivities, BJP State OBC Morcha President R. Raghu Kautilya says, “Both Author Banu Mushtaq and translator Deepa Basti equally deserve honours at Dasara festival. Calling only… pic.twitter.com/M7OJeiQNYk
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 25, 2025
Congress defends move
On Monday, Congress leader and Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara defended the state government’s decision, urging critics not to communalise the event. Speaking with mediapersons, he said, “It is not right to oppose this. This is not a religious issue. Dasara is a national festival.”
He emphasised that Dasara celebrations highlighted Karnataka’s heritage and culture, rather than solely a religious tradition.
Mysuru | On the BJP questioning Booker winner Banu Mishtaq to inaugurate Mysore Dasara festival, Karnataka Minister G Parameshwara says, “It is not right to oppose this. This is not a religious issue. Dasara is a national festival.” pic.twitter.com/YzZnOZcCdX
— ANI (@ANI) August 25, 2025
Karnataka Minister HK Patil also criticised the BJP, claiming that this was one of the government’s positive initiatives.
“Dasara is for all. It is a state festival. It is unfortunate that some people are trying to play politics…Nobody should do politics in this. This is one of the good decisions that the government has taken. I feel that they (BJP) should reconsider their thought process,” he said.
#WATCH | On the BJP questioning Booker Prize winner Banu Mushtaq to inaugurate Mysore Dasara festival 2025, Karnataka Minister HK Patil says, “Dasara is for all. It is a state festival. It is unfortunate that some people are trying to play politics…Nobody should do politics in… pic.twitter.com/LuFD697z2u
— ANI (@ANI) August 25, 2025
Mysuru Dasara 2025
Mysuru Dasara is the state festival, held every year in Mysuru. Throughout the ten-day Dasara celebrations, numerous cultural activities and functions are held. In 2025, Mysuru Dasara will be celebrated from September 22 to October 2 this year.
The festival will include an elephant march (Gajapayana), extended palace illumination, cultural programs, and the traditional Vijayadashami finale parade known as Jamboo Savari. This year’s events will also include an airshow by the Indian Air Force.
