- By Deeksha Gour
- Mon, 22 Sep 2025 11:16 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Karnataka News: The inauguration of the Mysuru Dasara festival on Monday turned tense after Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah was seen publicly scolding a section of the audience for alleged indiscipline.
From the stage, Siddaramaiah pointed towards the crowd and ordered them to sit down. Speaking in Kannada, he was heard saying, “Can’t you sit for a little while? Sit down. Who is that? If I tell you once, don’t you understand? Why did you even come here? You should have stayed at home.”
He further instructed police officials not to let the people involved leave the venue. “Police, don’t let them go. Can’t you sit for half an hour or an hour? Then why are you attending this function?” the Chief Minister was heard saying.
The scolding incident came as the historic 11-day Mysuru Dasara celebrations got under way in the city.
Controversy Over Chief Guest
This year’s festival drew political attention after the state government invited International Booker Prize-winning author Banu Mushtaq to inaugurate the event. The decision faced objections from BJP leaders and some cultural groups.
The criticism emerged after an old video resurfaced in which Mushtaq reportedly questioned the practice of worshipping Kannada as “Goddess Bhuvaneshwari”, calling it exclusionary for minorities. Critics alleged that her past remarks were “anti-Hindu” and “anti-Kannada” and argued that her presence at the inauguration undermines the religious traditions of Dasara, which usually begins with Vedic rituals and prayers to Goddess Chamundeshwari.
Some BJP leaders had even demanded that Mushtaq clarify her reverence for Goddess Chamundeshwari before inaugurating the festival.
Siddaramaiah’s Defence
Responding to the criticism, Siddaramaiah strongly defended the government’s decision. “Dasara is not the festival of any one religion or caste. It belongs to all,” he said.
He added that Mushtaq’s identity as a Muslim woman should not be used against her. “She is a human being first. Humanity means love and respect for one another, not hate based on religion or caste,” he told the gathering.
The Chief Minister also underlined that the Indian Constitution is secular and promotes unity in diversity. “We are all Indians, regardless of our religion or caste. Those who oppose this idea and distort the Constitution are acting out of selfish motives,” he said.
Despite the controversy, the Mysuru Dasara festivities began with the usual pomp and cultural displays, continuing a tradition that attracts visitors from across Karnataka and beyond.