The Karnataka High Court on Monday dismissed multiple petitions challenging the state government’s decision to invite International Booker Prize-winning author Banu Mushtaq to inaugurate this year’s Mysuru Dasara festivities.
A division bench of Chief Justice Vibhu Bhakru and Justice C. M. Joshi refused to entertain four separate pleas, including one filed by former Mysuru BJP MP Pratap Simha, who had opposed Mushtaq’s selection for the prestigious role.
The Mysuru district administration had extended a formal invitation to Mushtaq on September 3. However, the move triggered strong objections from opposition BJP leaders and certain groups, who cited her past remarks that were allegedly “anti-Hindu culture.” Critics argued that her selection disrespects religious traditions, as the festival traditionally begins with Vedic rituals and floral offerings to Goddess Chamundeshwari at Chamundi Hills.
The criticism intensified after an old video resurfaced on social media, in which Mushtaq reportedly questioned the idea of worshipping Kannada as Goddess Bhuvaneshwari, calling it exclusionary for minorities. Several BJP leaders had demanded that she publicly affirm her reverence for Goddess Chamundeshwari before presiding over the inauguration.
Mushtaq has countered the allegations, stating that her remarks were taken out of context and selectively circulated to malign her. She maintained that her old speech had been misinterpreted and that she respected Karnataka’s cultural traditions.
With the High Court dismissing the petitions, the state government’s decision stands, paving the way for Mushtaq to inaugurate the festival.
The Mysuru Dasara, a centuries-old celebration, is considered the “Naada Habba” (state festival) of Karnataka. This year’s festivities will commence on September 22 and conclude with the grand Vijayadashami procession on October 2. The inauguration is traditionally marked by rituals at the Chamundeshwari temple atop Chamundi Hills, where the presiding deity of the Mysuru royals is worshipped.
