Karnataka government accused of politicking over Dasara and Chamundeshwari temple

The Congress government in Karnataka has waded into a massive controversy by inviting the International Booker Prize winner Banu Mushtaq at the inauguration of the Mysuru Dasara festival.

- BELLIE THOMAS

World renowned Dasara festivities are all set to begin from September 22 this year, with a grand inauguration ceremony at Chamundeshwari temple hill in Mysuru.

The Bharatiya Janata Party leaders allege that the Congress' decision to invite Banu Mushtaq was clearly for playing up appeasement politics. BJP state president, B.Y. Vijayendra has slammed both Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, stating they just wanted to please the Congress high command with their moves.

Vijayendra has also stated that while he found no fault with the invitation extended to Banu Mushtaq, why Deepa Bhasthi was not invited to inaugurate the Dasara.

"Deepa Bhasthi was also conferred with the International Booker Prize for the translation of Banu's work. Siddaramaiah could have invited both of them to inaugurate the Dasara festivities," Vijayendra stated, adding, "look at the statements coming from the Congress leaders lately, ridiculing the Hindu community and its traditions and heritage."

Vijayendra was referring to the statement from D.K. Shivakumar, saying "Chamundeshwari Hill is not the property of Hindus alone."