Bengaluru/Mysuru, 6 Sept

BJP leader Prathap Simha moved the Karnataka High Court on Saturday seeking a stay on the State government's invitation to International Booker Prize winner Banu Mushtaq to inaugurate this year's 'Mysuru Dasara'.

Mysuru district administration had on Wednesday formally invited Mushtaq despite objections from some sections, including the Opposition BJP.

Simha, a former MP from Mysuru, accused the Congress government of making a "unilateral decision" without consulting key stakeholders, including the erstwhile Mysuru royal family.

He requested the High Court to issue directions to withdraw the invitation extended to Mushtaq, citing public outrage and the potential to disrupt communal harmony.

The controversy stems from allegations that Mushtaq has made statements in the past that are perceived by some as "anti-Hindu culture".

Simha and other critics argue that her selection for the festival, which traditionally begins with Vedic rituals and floral offerings to Goddess Chamundeshwari, disrespects religious sentiments and long-standing traditions associated with the event.

Dasara celebration will begin in Mysuru from 22 September and culminate on Vijayadashami, which falls on 2 October.

Dasara is traditionally inaugurated on the first day by showering flowers on the idol of goddess Chamundeshwari, the presiding deity of Mysuru and its royals, amid chanting of Vedic hymns, at the premises of Chamundeshwari temple atop the Chamundi Hills in Mysuru.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah continued to defend the government’s decision, saying that the BJP’s actions were politically motivated. He asked why Simha had singled out this issue to raise before the judiciary, but was confident that the court would deliver a just verdict.

“Her work translated into English has won the Booker Prize. The government has felicitated writer Banu Mushtaq and translator Deepa Basti,” he said at Almatti in Vijayapura district on Saturday. “However as Mushtaq is a Kannada writer, we have invited her to inaugurate Dasara festival.”

Right-wingers plan ‘Chamundi Hills Chalo’ march

Meanwhile, right-wing organisations announced that they are planning a large-scale Chamundi Hills Chalo agitation, with the BJP extending full support.

Members of Hindu Jagarana Vedike will take out a Chamundi Chalo Rally on 9 Sept from Kurubarahalli Sangolli Rayanna circle till Chamundi Hills, protesting against the State government’s decision to invite International Booker Prize winner Banu Mushtaq.

The protesters demand that the government withdraw the invitation to Mushtaq.

Meanwhile, members of Dalitha Mahasabha have also planned a counter agitation by holding Chamundi Chalo rally on the same day, protesting against the communalisation and politicisation of the issue.

Dalith Mahasabha chief S Rajesh has submitted an appeal to Mysuru Police Commissioner Seema Latkar, urging the administration not to give permission for the Hindu Jagarana Vedike rally.

He noted that Nisar Ahammed, who belongs to the Muslim community, and writer Hampa Nagarajaiah, who belongs to the Jain community had previously inaugurated the Dasara celebrations previously. Rajesh condemned the Hindu Jagarana Vedike and BJP leaders for opposing the invitation to Mushtaq.