Mysore. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah became angry during the opening ceremony of Mysuru Dasara on Sunday when he found some people disciplined by pointing to the audience from the stage. This video of him has gone viral on social media, in which he is seen reprimanding the people present in a strict tone.
CM’s anger: “Why are you coming?”
During the inauguration, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed displeasure on seeing some people sitting in the crowd and said:
“Can’t sit for a while?
Not only this, he also instructed the police officers present on the spot not to allow those people to go through the program. He said:
“Police, don’t let them go. Can’t sit for half an hour or an hour? Then what was the need to come to the ceremony?”
This strict commentary of his immediately became a topic of discussion.
Watch video here
11 day grand festival begins
The Dussehra festival is celebrated with great pomp for 11 days in Mysore, also known as ‘City of Palaces’. This year’s festival started from Sunday. This historical festival of Dussehra is not just a religious or cultural program, but it is called the “Nada Habba” (State Festival) of Karnataka. Every year millions of tourists reach Mysore on this occasion.
Controversy over Banu Mushtaq
This time the Dussehra program was engulfed in controversies before the inauguration. In fact, this time the Karnataka government invited International Booker Award winning writer Banu Mushtaq as the chief guest.
However, BJP leaders and other organizations opposed it. The controversy deepened when an old video of Banu Mushtaq went viral on social media. In it, he questioned the worship of Kannada language as Goddess Bhuvaneshwari and said that this approach excludes people like minorities.
Opponents accused: Religious sentiments hurt
The protesters say that the previous statements of Banu Mushtaq reflect “anti -Hindu” and “anti -Kannada” views. He argues that Dussehra traditionally begins with Vedic chanting and worship of Chamundeshwari Devi. In such a situation, honoring Banu Mushtaq for the inauguration is against religious traditions and beliefs.
Many BJP leaders also said that before accepting Mushtaq, it should be clarified whether she has reverence for Goddess Chamundeshwari or not.
Cleaning of Banu Mushtaq
Banu Mushtaq dismissed the allegations, saying that only select parts of his old speech have been introduced. He said that his aim was not to hurt anyone’s religious faith, but to emphasize diversity and inclusion.
Siddaramaiah rescue: “Dussehra is the festival of everyone”
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah strongly defended the invitation of Banu Mushtaq. He said:
“Dussehra is not a festival of any religion or caste, it is a festival of all. Banu Mushtaq can be a Muslim woman from birth, but first of all they are humans. Humans should love each other and do not have a place of hatred.”
Siddaramaiah further said:
“Our Constitution is secular. Ekta among the diversities is the identity of India. Whether it is religion or caste, we are all Indians first. People who want to distort the Constitution are only selfish people.”
Political color
Controversy over Banu Mushtaq has also become a new issue in Karnataka politics. The BJP is constantly attacking the Congress government by linking it to Hindu faith, while Siddaramaiah is calling it a symbol of secularism and diversity.
Experts believe that this dispute is not only cultural but also political. Parties have been using big events like Dussehra to strengthen their ideology and support base.
Importance of Mysore Dussehra
The tradition of Mysore Dussehra is about 400 years old.
The festival started from the time of the Vijayanagara Empire and the Wadiyar dynasty carried it forward.
Every year on Vijayadashami, a royal procession (Jambu Savari) is taken out, which includes adorned elephants, horses and cultural tableaux.
It is not only a religious festival but also the cultural identity of Karnataka.
Why did CM’s statement become an issue?
Siddaramaiah’s anger can also be seen as a demand for a simple discipline, but his tough tone and word – “Why are you coming?” – Many people find insensitive. Political opponents immediately made it an issue and introduced it to the Chief Minister’s “ego” and “disrespect to the public”.
However, his supporters say that it is necessary to maintain discipline in such a big event, and the Chief Minister tried to do the same.
Mysore Dussehra is a symbol of the pride and tradition of Karnataka. But this time the festival has started amidst religious and political controversies. Both the controversy over Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s anger and Banu Mushtaq have put a different shadow on the beginning of this grand festival.
Nevertheless, the fact cannot be denied that Dussehra is part of the faith, culture and pride of the people of Karnataka. Now it has to be seen that this festival is its traditional enthusiasm in the coming days
