But the Congress government’s decision triggered a political row in the state. Several Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders criticized the choice, questioning the renowned writer’s suitability for the role.
The controversy
The controversy began when Chief Minister Siddaramaiah declared that Mushtaq would begin this year’s Mysuru Dasara celebrations. He said, “Inaugurating the world famous Dasara this year will be done by Booker International Prize winner Banu Mushtaq. Her story collection ‘Hridaya Deepa’ (Heart Lamp) got her the award. A woman from Karnataka getting the International Booker Prize is a happy occasion.”
“Banu Mushtaq came from a background of struggle for various causes. She worked in the Raita Sangha, Kannada Chaluvali. She is a progressive thinker. One such woman was invited to the inauguration of Dasara. I spoke to her,” Siddaramaiah added.
BJP criticizes the movement
The decision sparked a political debate. On Monday, Karnataka Leader of Opposition and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Ashoka criticized 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: Booker award winner Banu Mushtaq at the inauguration of Mysore Dasara Festival 2025, BJP MLA and Karnataka Lop R. Ashoka says, “Dussehra is a festival of Hindus. In Islam, Idol worship is banned. pic.twitter.com/ppru1fhief
– Ani (@ani) August 25, 2025
Expelled BJP MP Basanagouda Patil Yatnal said he respected Mushtaq but, “his dasara inaugurating by offering flowers and lighting the lamp to Goddess Chamundeshwari seems to be in conflict with his own religious beliefs.”
In an article on
I personally hold Bhanu Mushtaq Madam’s respect as a writer and activist. However, his Dasara inaugurating by offering flowers and lighting the lamp to Goddess Chamundeshwari seems to be in conflict with his own religious beliefs. Madam needs to clarify if she continues to…
– Basanagouda R Patil (yatnal) (@basanagoudabjp) August 24, 2025
Former Mysuru MP and BJP leader Prathap Simha echoed similar views. While speaking to reporters in Mysuru on Sunday, he said, “I personally respect Banu Mushtaq for his achievement. It is acceptable when she presides over the Akhila Bharata Kannada Sahitya Sammeana, but not Dasara, a Hindu religious event that begins with the offering of pooja to the goddamn deviation.
R Raghu Kautilya, state president of the BJP OBC Morcha, argued that both Mushtaq and translator Deepa Basti deserve honors at the Dasara festival and Mushtaq’s invitation demonstrates the bias of the Congress government.
Video | Mysuru, Karnataka: Booker 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 the responsibilities of Dasara Festival. pic.twitter.com/m7ojeiqnyk
– Press Trust of India (@pti_news) August 25, 2025
Congress defends move
Congress leader and Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Monday defended the state government’s decision, urging critics not to communalize the event. Speaking to Mediapersons, he said: “It is not right to oppose it. It is not a religious issue. Dasara is a national festival.”
He emphasized that the Dasara celebrations highlighted the heritage and culture of Karnataka, rather than a religious tradition.
Mysuru | On BJP questioning Booker winner Banu Mishtaq in inaugurating Mysore Dasara festival, Karnataka minister G Parameshwara says: “It is not right to oppose this. It is not a religious issue. Dasara is a national festival.” pic.twitter.com/yzznozccdx
– Ani (@ani) August 25, 2025
Karnataka Minister Hk Patil also criticized the BJP, saying it was one of the positive initiatives of the government.
“Dasara is for all. It is a state festival. It is unfortunate that some people are trying to do politics… no one should do politics in this area. This is one of the right decisions that the government has taken. I think they (BJP) should reconsider their thought process,” he said.
#WATCH | On BJP questioning Booker Prize winner Banu Mushtaq’s inauguration of 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 do politics… no one should do politics at… 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, many cultural activities and functions take place. In 2025, Mysuru Dasara will be celebrated from September 22 to October 2 this year.
The festival will include an elephant march (Gajapayana), extended lighting of the palace, cultural programs and the traditional Vijayadashami finale parade known as Jamboo Savari. This year’s events will also include an Indian Air Force air show.
