Bengaluru: Karnataka’s NDA allies are apparently not on the same page after the state government invited Booker Prize-winning author Banu Mushtaq to inaugurate the 2025 Mysuru Dasara festival at the Goddess Chamundeshwari temple. The decision has sparked a political dispute between the BJP and the Congress-led state government, while JD(S) has taken a contrasting stance.

BJP demands retraction from Shivakumar

Karnataka BJP President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra demanded that Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar immediately withdraw his statement that Chamundi Hill “is not solely the property of Hindus,” calling it "an insult to Hindus" and "an unforgivable offence."

Vijayendra accused Shivakumar of making remarks to appease the Gandhi family and advance his chief ministerial ambitions. He also cited Shivakumar’s earlier proposal for a 115-foot statue of Jesus Christ in Ramanagara, describing it as disrespectful to Hindu traditions.

"People from all religions visit Chamundi Hill and participate in the Dasara festival. Still, he emphasised that declaring the hill as unrelated to Hindus is a grave affront and an unforgivable offence," Vijayendra added.

Shivakumar stresses inclusivity

Responding to criticism from Mysuru royal family member Yaduveer Wadiyar, Shivakumar defended the festival’s inclusive nature. He said:

"Our region's festival - Dasara, our region's deity - Chamundeshwari. Chamundeshwari Mother is the presiding deity of our region. Those who worship her, believe in her, and honour her are found in all castes and religions. Her darshan is the right of everyone."

He accused the BJP of politicising the festival and added:

"One should not do politics in the name of religion; even that Mother would not approve of it!"

JD(S) backs invitation  

Union Minister and JD(S) leader H.D. Kumaraswamy expressed support for the government’s decision, describing Mushtaq’s role as “a big message and responsibility” in leading the goddess Chamundeshwari procession. He made it clear that he had no objection to the invitation.