Bengaluru: A fresh political storm has erupted in Karnataka after former MP Pratap Simha objected to Bhanu Mushtaq, a award-winning writer, inaugurating a religious ceremony at Chamundi Hills during the upcoming Dasara festivities. His remarks drew sharp criticism from both Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who accused him of disregarding constitutional values and fanning communal divisions.
CM Siddaramaiah strongly condemned Simha’s statement, saying, “How can anyone claim that a person from another faith cannot inaugurate or perform puja? We live in a secular democracy. If a former MP does not understand the Constitution, should we call him ignorant? Such divisive remarks must be condemned by society.”
Echoing similar sentiments, DyCM Shivakumar said, “This is a democratically elected government that functions within constitutional limits. Every decision we take is constitutional. Pratap Simha must read the Constitution carefully to understand his rights and responsibilities.”
Several Congress ministers, including H.C. Mahadevappa and Shivraj Tangadagi, also reacted strongly, urging people not to fall prey to misleading statements. They stressed that the government had every right to invite Bhanu Mushtaq to inaugurate Dasara as a recognition of Karnataka’s cultural pride.
Opposition leader R. Ashoka downplayed the controversy, stating, “The court has dismissed his petition. There is no law restricting who can inaugurate Dasara. This matter is being unnecessarily politicized.”
The controversy comes at a time when the Mysuru Dasara festival is being positioned as a symbol of Karnataka’s inclusive culture. By honoring Bhanu Mushtaq with the Dasara inauguration, the government has sought to project secular values, while the BJP has accused it of sidelining tradition.
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