‘Dasara is not secular, it’s worship of goddess’: Pratap Simha fumes as Karnataka govt picks Booker Prize winner Banu Mushtaq to inaugurate event

MYSURU: The Karnataka govt’s decision to choose writer Banu Mushtaq to inaugurate this year’s Dasara festival has drawn sharp criticism from former MP Pratap Simmha. Speaking to reporters, Simmha said while he respects Banu’s literary achievements, her selection for the inauguration of Dasara was inappropriate. “Dasara is not a symbol of secularism; it is entirely a religious celebration of Goddess Chamundeshwari. This tradition was initiated by the Wadiyars, and the festivities begin with a puja to the Goddess,” Simmha remarked. Questioning the decision further, Simmha said, “This is a festival of devotion. If the inauguration symbolises worship of Chamundeshwari, how is Banu Mushtaq the right person to perform it?” he asked. Taking a dig at the ideological clash, Simha remarked, “Islam says there is no God but Allah. Can Banu, as a Muslim, accept Goddess Chamundeshwari as divine?”