'She Must Declare Faith In...': BJP Fumes As Writer Banu Mushtaq Invited To Open Mysuru Dasara

Last Updated:August 25, 2025, 12:16 IST

Mushtaq, 77, will formally open the festivities on September 22, while the grand Mysuru Vijayadashami procession is scheduled for October 2

Writer Banu Mushtaq | File Image: X

The Karnataka government’s decision to invite International Booker Prize-winning Kannada writer Banu Mushtaq to inaugurate this year’s Mysuru Dasara triggered a political row, with BJP leaders demanding that she declare her faith in Goddess Chamundeshwari before presiding over the religious ceremony.

Mushtaq, 77, will formally open the festivities on September 22, while the grand Vijayadashami procession is scheduled for October 2.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s government named her chief guest in recognition of her landmark literary achievement. Notably, her acclaimed short story collection Heart Lamp, translated by Deepa Bhasthi, won the Booker earlier this year for its portrayal of the lives of Muslim women in Karnataka.

However, her selection has drawn objections from BJP leaders, with party MP Tejasvi Surya saying that while he respected Mushtaq’s stature, the religious nature of the Mysuru Dasara inauguration could not be ignored.

“I don’t have an objection to anybody. However, Mysuru Dasara is an important religious festival of Karnataka and we only expect that whoever is called to inaugurate and offer the first prayers make their belief in Goddess Chamundeshwari public and clear," Surya told reporters.

Expelled BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal also raised concerns, arguing that Mushtaq’s participation in the ritual aspects of the inauguration conflicted with her faith.

“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. Without such clarity, it does not appear appropriate for her to inaugurate Dasara," Yatnal wrote on X.

He added that while Mushtaq could inaugurate cultural or literary events during Dasara, she should not lead the religious rituals.

The Mysuru Dasara Mahotsava traditionally begins with rituals at Chamundi Hills, where prayers are offered to Goddess Chamundeshwari, followed by ten days of cultural and religious celebrations.

This year, the choice of Mushtaq as the chief guest — hailed by many as a historic recognition of Kannada literature — has now turned into a flashpoint over faith, tradition, and inclusivity.

Location :

Karnataka, India, India

First Published:

August 25, 2025, 12:16 IST

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