KRRS welcomes Dasara invite to Banu Mushtaq

Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha (KRRS) has welcomed the government’s decision to invite noted Kannada writer and Booker Prize winner Banu Mushtaq to inaugurate this year’s Dasara festivities and criticised any opposition to it, saying that Ms. Mushtaq has consistently displayed a progressive outlook in her public life.

Addressing a press conference here on Sunday, KRRS leader Badagalapura Nagendra said that the Dasara festival was not restricted to one religion, but is celebrated by all sections of society. Mr. Nagendra added that the opposition to Ms. Mushtaq from the BJP was affecting the image of Mysuru globally.

Recalling the royal culture of celebrating Dasara in Mysuru, Mr. Nagendra said Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar had given equal respect to all religions during his rule and that the opposition to Ms. Mushtaq from the BJP amounted to “insulting” him.

The KRRS leader also found fault with Mysuru MP Yaduveer Krishnaraja Wadiyar for changing his stance on the invitation to Ms. Musthaq after initially welcoming it. He said that the MP, who is also a scion of the erstwhile royal family of Mysuru, should uphold the traditions of the Mysuru palace. The MP’s opposition to Ms. Mushtaq was “inappropriate”, he added.

Mr. Nagendra also questioned the reason behind the BJP government at the Centre failing to invite President Droupadi Murmu to the opening of the new Parliament building in New Delhi.

Protest against DKS

Mr. Nagendra also criticised Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar for his arrogant behaviour with the farmers protesting against the acquisition of land for the Bidadi township project.

KRRS activists staged a protest across different taluks in Mysuru and Chamarajanagar districts on Sunday against Mr. Shivakumar’s “arrogant” behaviour.

“People in politics should know how to treat activists, and Mr. Shivakumar should learn how to lend the protesting farmers a patient ear instead of behaving rudely with them,” Mr. Nagendra said.

The KRRS leader also urged the government to regularise the electricity connections of the irrigation pumpsets that the farmers had obtained after a long wait.

“The farmers will not be in a position to wait if the authorities do not give power connection to the irrigation pumpsets for a long time. They will draw the power. Instead of disconnecting such connections, the government should regularise them if they are serious about promoting agriculture,” Mr. Nagendra said.