BENGALURU: The Congress govt’s invitation to Booker Prize-winning Banu Mushtaq to inaugurate this year’s Mysuru Dasara festival has set off a major political row, with BJP questioning her suitability for the role because of her faith. Congress hit back at BJP, saying the state festival is above religion and is celebrated by one and all, while the writer said she’s “happy” to have the opportunity to inaugurate Nadahabba. “I’ll participate in the cultural festival,” she said.Last week, CM Siddaramaiah announced Banu Mushtaq will inaugurate the Nadahabba (state festival) at Chamundi Hill temple on Sept 22, describing her as a progressive thinker and praising her literary and social contributions. She is also an activist, thinker and lawyer.
Unfazed by the criticism, the 77-year-old writer expressed gratitude for the invitation, calling it a recognition of Kannada literature. Banu said the state govt chose her to open Dasara this year, considering the International Booker Prize that she won for her Kannada work, Edeya Hanate (Heart Lamp). “This is an honour for the Kannada language and Kannadigas. I’m happy for the love and respect shown by the govt.”This is not the first time a Muslim writer is inaugurating the festival. In 2017, renowned Kannada poet KS Nisar Ahmed, known for iconic poem Nityothsava celebrating Karnataka in all its glory, inaugurated the 10-day celebrations at Chamundi Hills without any criticism.However, this time, some BJP functionaries objected to the invite extended to the Hassan-based writer, arguing the inauguration is steeped in Hindu rituals. Senior BJP functionary and MLC CT Ravi said it was inappropriate for a person “whose faith is uncertain” to preside over the ceremony.Don’t politicise Banu Mushtaq matter, says HM On the other hand, BJP state chief BY Vijayendra raised the Kodagu bogey while steering clear of the controversy around the writer’s faith. He said: “Banu Mushtaq and translator – Deepa Bhasthi from Kodagu – received the International Booker Prize together. The govt should have invited Deepa too for the inauguration. Does Siddaramaiah have any interest in Kodagu?”Former Mysuru MP Pratap Simha said, “It is acceptable when Banu chairs Akhila Bharata Kannada Sahitya Sammelana but not Dasara, a Hindu religious event which starts with offering pooja to Goddess Chamundeshwari. Does she have faith in Chamundeshwari? Is she following our traditions?” Expelled BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal echoed the sentiment.Home minister G Parameshwara and KPCC working president urged BJP not to politicise the issue: “In the past, leaders like Mysuru state dewan Mirza Ismail and poet laureate KS Nisar Ahmed inaugurated the festival. No objections were raised then. Such disputes should not be created now.” Acknowledging Banu as a distinguished writer, Mysuru-Kodagu MP Yaduveer Wadiyar, however, posted: “Dasara is … a Hindu religious festival mentioned in scriptures and mythology. Given this heritage, it is necessary for Banu Mushtaq to clarify her respect for Bhuvaneshwari and Chamundeshwari before inaugurating celebrations.”
