Mysuru, 8 Sept 

Former MP Pratap Simha urged the State government to direct International Booker Prize winner Banu Mushtaq to issue an apology for her “anti-Hindu” statements before she inaugurates the Dasara festival. He said he will withdraw from his legal fight if she apologises.

Speaking to reporters in Mysuru on Monday, he alleged that Banu doesn't like Hindu rituals and has insulted Hindus multiple times. 

“I have filed a Public Interest Litigation in the High Court against the writer to prevent her from participating in the Dasara celebrations under Article 26 (hurting religious sentiments), he said. “I am ready to withdraw my petition if Banu Mushtaq apologises for her anti-Hindu remarks.”

However, he added that he doesn’t believe Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will ask Mushtaq to apologise. Siddaramaiah is trying to woo the alleged Muslim vote bank, he added.