Overview

• Former BJP MP Pratap Simha has asked the Karnataka High Court to stay the government’s invitation to Booker Prize winner Banu Mushtaq to inaugurate Mysuru Dasara.
• His petition argues the opening involves Vedic rituals and floral offerings to Goddess Chamundeshwari and contends the choice hurts Hindu sentiments.
• Mysuru district officials formally invited Mushtaq in Hassan and she accepted, later saying Dasara belongs to everyone.
• Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has called the objections politically motivated and said there is no evidence Mushtaq insulted ‘Kannadambe’.
• Mobilisation is building with a Sept. 9 ‘Chamundeshwari Chalo’ rally by the Hindu Jagarana Vedike and a counter march by the Dalit Mahasabha, as KRRS backs the invite and reports note displeasure from members of the Mysuru royal family.