The Karnataka Congress government’s decision to select social activist Banu Mushtaq to inaugurate this year’s Mysore Dasara has snowballed into a major controversy, with Muslim clerics, community leaders, and opposition voices expressing strong resentment. Allegations have also surfaced that senior ministers pressured religious leaders not to issue a fatwa against Mushtaq, further intensifying the row.
Several Muslim clerics in Tumkur, Hassan, and Mysuru have openly opposed the government’s move, arguing that Mushtaq does not represent the Muslim community in terms of religious practices. They have alleged that her participation in rituals such as lighting saffron lamps and offering aarti violates Islamic traditions and could hurt religious sentiments.
One prominent cleric remarked, “For us, Allah is the only God. If rituals like aarti are performed in the name of Islam, it destroys the very essence of our faith. Banu Mushtaq may carry a Muslim name, but her actions reflect otherwise. Allowing her to inaugurate Dasara will insult both Muslims and Hindus.”
Allegations of government interference
According to community insiders, a section of clerics had prepared to issue a fatwa against Mushtaq. However, they were allegedly restrained by political pressure. Serious allegations have been made against Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan, DCM D.K. Shivakumar, and CM Siddaramaiah, accusing them of threatening religious leaders into silence. This has created an atmosphere of mistrust, with several clerics stating that their religious freedom was being interfered with for political convenience.
Sadiq Pasha lashes out
Muslim leader Sadiq Pasha strongly criticised the Congress government, claiming the community feels betrayed. He alleged that Muslims overwhelmingly supported Congress in the elections but were rewarded only with tokenism and political drama.
“The government came to power with 85 per cent of Muslim votes. Instead of development in education and employment, they have given us controversies like this. This is not respect, this is exploitation,” he said.
Pasha further accused D.K. Shivakumar of misleading the community, adding, “If we had known that Shivakumar’s politics leaned towards RSS ideology, we would have reconsidered our support. We voted with faith, but that faith has been shattered.” He warned that if such “betrayals” continue, the Muslim community would deliver a “befitting reply in the next elections.”
Rajmatha Pramod Devi Wadeyar expresses dismay
Adding another dimension to the controversy, Rajmatha Pramod Devi Wadeyar of the Mysuru royal family also expressed displeasure over the government’s handling of the Nada Habba. In a written statement, she said that politics had “inappropriately intruded” into the sacred traditions of the Chamundeshwari temple atop Chamundi Hills. She argued that while the government may organise Dasara as a cultural celebration, the sanctity of religious rituals must be respected.
“Insensitive statements such as claiming Chamundeshwari mandir does not belong to Hindus were unnecessary and avoidable,” she stated. She clarified that the royal family would continue to observe its traditional religious practices during Navaratri, independent of the government’s cultural program.
Risk of communal tensions
The controversy has raised fears of disturbing Mysuru’s communal harmony during the Dasara festivities. With Muslim leaders warning that the choice of Mushtaq could “hurt the sentiments of Hindus” and clerics threatening action if their religious boundaries are crossed, the matter has escalated beyond mere politics.
Security agencies are keeping a close watch, fearing protests or disruptions during the celebration. Officials, however, have assured that strict measures will be taken to prevent any law-and-order breakdown.
The BJP and other opposition parties have accused CM Siddaramaiah and DCM Shivakumar of creating deliberate controversies around religious events for political mileage. Meanwhile, Muslim clerics have demanded that the government reconsider its choice to avoid worsening communal polarisation.
Awaiting resolution
As Mysore Dasara, the state’s most prominent cultural festival, draws near, the government finds itself cornered between appeasing its Muslim vote bank, respecting Hindu traditions, and maintaining communal balance. The inclusion of Banu Mushtaq, intended as a symbol of inclusivity, has instead triggered a storm of protests from both communities.
For now, the question remains whether the Congress leadership will stand firm on its decision or opt for damage control. With emotions running high and accusations of betrayal gaining ground, the Mysore Dasara controversy has become a litmus test of the Siddaramaiah government’s ability to manage faith and politics.
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