Karnataka Minister criticises people who opposed selection of Banu Mushtaq to inaugurate Dasara

Karnataka Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda has criticised the people who have opposed the State government’s decision to invite Booker Prize-winning author Banu Musthaq to inaugurate the Dasara festival.

Speaking to press persons in Shivamogga on Tuesday, Mr. Byre Gowda said that Ms. Mushtaq had brought honour to Kannada literature at a glabal stage. She had taken part in the pro-people struggles in Hassan, and had raised her voice against the exploitation of women, the Minister said. “It is the job of some people to divide the society by raking up emotional issues and taking political mileage,” Mr. Byre Gowda added.

Further, the Minister said that the author did not belong to any particular caste or religion, and that she was the pride of the Kannadigas.