Overview

• The Karnataka government is proceeding with its invite to International Booker Prize winner Banu Mushtaq to open Mysuru Dasara, scheduled from 22 September to 2 October.
• Chief minister Siddaramaiah described Dasara as a Nada Habba for all communities, said a high‑power panel empowered his decision, and cited precedents including poet K. S. Nissar Ahmed inaugurating earlier editions.
• BJP leaders such as B. Y. Vijayendra, R. Ashoka, Pratap Simha and Shobha Karandlaje objected on religious grounds, with some urging Mushtaq to step aside, as pro‑Kannada groups warned of black‑flag protests.
• Breaking ranks, BJP MLC A. H. Vishwanath endorsed the government’s choice, rebuked party colleagues, and urged that translator Deepa Bhasthi also be formally felicitated.
• Siddaramaiah said only one person can inaugurate and signalled a separate honour for Bhasthi, noted both women have already received Rs 10 lakh from the state, as KPCC sought High Court action over inflammatory remarks and Mushtaq said a viral clip of her comments was distorted.