Mysuru: Amid controversy surrounding the inauguration of Dasara in Mysuru, a team of officials led by Mysuru DC Lakshmikanth Reddy, who is also the Dasara special officer, will officially invite writer and International Booker Prize winner Banu Mushtaq to the festival on Wednesday. District officials will visit Banu’s residence in Hassan to invite her to inaugurate the festival atop Chamundi Hills.A release stated that Banu Mushtaq was chosen to inaugurate Dasara Festival, and the officers will visit her residence around 4pm on Sept 3.This comes amidst opposition from the BJP and right-wing activists regarding the selection of Banu to inaugurate the festival, stating she comes from a non-Hindu faith and allegedly disrespected Goddess Bhuvaneshwari. However, chief minister Siddaramaiah defended her, saying she is an achiever who is being honoured by inviting her to the state festival, which is not restricted to one faith. The festival will commence on Sept 22.
