BJP Files Petition in Karnataka HC Over Invitation to Banu Mushtaq

Bengaluru (Karnataka) – The controversy surrounding the selection of Booker Prize-winning author Banu Mushtaq to open the Mysuru Dasara festival has intensified, with BJP leader and former MP Pratap Simha moving the Karnataka high court. He has sought a stay on the state government’s decision to invite Mushtaq, alleging that her appointment hurts Hindu sentiments.

🚨 Former MP @mepratap moves High Court seeking stay on Banu Mushtaq’s Dasara inauguration!

⚖️ Petition points:
1️⃣ Vigraha of Sri Chamundeshwari Devi is worshipped during inauguration. Banu Mushtaq holds anti-Hindu & anti-Kannada views.

2️⃣ Even Mysuru Royal Family has opposed… https://t.co/aK6LYJZcoO pic.twitter.com/H9jTKD2qvv

— Sanatan Prabhat (@SanatanPrabhat) September 6, 2025

Key Points from Simha’s Petition :

The inauguration of the Dasara festival includes the worship of the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari. Banu Mushtaq holds anti-Hindu and anti-Kannada views. The state Government has unilaterally selected her for the invitation. Therefore, a stay should be granted on the Government’s decision.

The royal family of Mysuru has also condemned the Government’s stand. This decision has hurt the sentiments of Hindus. The petition requests that the court instruct the Government to withdraw the invitation extended to Banu Mushtaq.

“We Are Ready to Fight” – CM Siddaramaiah

Vijayapura (Karnataka) – Meanwhile, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, speaking in Vijayapura on Saturday, welcomed Simha’s decision to approach the court. “I am happy that Pratap Simha has gone to court. Let the law decide. But why did he not go to court when Nisar Ahmed inaugurated Dasara earlier ? If Tipu Sultan did not inaugurate it then, why didn’t he raise his voice ?” he asked.

“Let Pratap Simha fight legally. We will also fight legally. If they want to turn this into a political battle, we are ready to answer them on every front.” The high court is expected to hear Simha’s petition in the coming days. (Editor’s note: Nissar Ahmed respects Hindu Deities. Also, since Hinduism is expansive religion, Hindus naturally did not oppose his invitation.)