Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday welcomed the Supreme Court’s dismissal of pleas against author Banu Mushtaq inaugurating Mysuru Dasara, calling the festival a cultural celebration and urging citizens to uphold tolerance and unity.
Bengaluru
Hours after the Supreme Court rejected a petition challenging the Karnataka government’s decision to invite Kannada litterateur and Booker Prize winner Banu Mushtaq to inaugurate this year’s Dasara festivities, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah emphasised that the state festival represents culture, not religion.
Speaking at the presentation of the Vaddarse Raghurama Shetty Social Justice Journalism Award (2024) and the Environment and Development Journalism Award (2017–2023), Siddaramaiah criticised opposition to Mushtaq’s selection. “People who opposed her went to the High Court and the Supreme Court. Their pleas were rejected at both places,” he said.
The CM reiterated that Dasara is Karnataka’s state festival and should be viewed as an inclusive cultural event. “This is not a religious matter, but a cultural one,” he asserted.
Highlighting India’s diversity, Siddaramaiah said the country is home to multiple castes and faiths, and stressed the importance of coexistence. “We must have tolerance for other faiths and live and prosper together. We must strive for unity in diversity,” he remarked.
The remarks come amid a heated debate over Mushtaq’s participation, with petitioners arguing that a non-Hindu should not perform rituals at Chamundeshwari Temple. Both the High Court and the Supreme Court dismissed these pleas, affirming the state’s decision.
By framing the festival as a celebration of cultural unity, Siddaramaiah sought to ease tensions and reaffirm Karnataka’s commitment to inclusivity.