Yaduveer Wadiyar okays Banu Mushtaq’s invite as long as ‘she respects Devi’

Mysuru Dasara Banu Mushtaq

Mysore-Kodagu MP and descendant of the Yadu kings of the Wadiyar dynasty and custodian of the Mysuru Palace’s traditions, Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar said there is no opposition to International Booker Prize winner Banu Mushtaq inaugurating Mysuru Dasara, as long as she shows respect for Goddess Sri Chamundeshwari.

“There is no issue or disagreement with inviting Banu Mushtaq for the Dasara festivities. However, Dasara is a religious tradition. As long as the inauguration is done without harming this tradition and religious sentiment, we have no problem. If Banu Mushtaq says that she respects Mother Chamundi, our problem is solved,” Wadiyar said.

He added that the translator, Deepa Bhasthi, who translated Mushtaq’s books into English, should also be appreciated and invited to the event. 

However, while praising Mushtaq for her accomplishments, Wadiyar wrote on his X account, that she had previously made comments in relation to Tayi Bhuvanesdhwari.

“Given this sacred legacy, it is only appropriate that Smt. Mushtaq clarify her reverence towards Tayi Bhuvaneshwari and Tayi Chamundeshwari before consenting to preside as Chief Guest of this year’s Dasara celebrations.” Wadiyar said in his X post.

I respect Mother Chamundeshwari: Banu Mushtaq

Meanwhile, Mushtaq issued a clarification, saying she holds deep respect for Mother Chamundeshwari.

The Kannada writer received a traditional bagina (offering) from Shashikala, founder of the Bengaluru-based Ammana Madilu organisation. “Calling Dasara a state festival and referring to Mother Chamundeshwari with love and affection is part of our culture. That’s why it is dear to me as well,” she told reporters on Wednesday.

Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah announced Banu Mushatq’s selection for the Mysuru Dasara inauguration. Praising her legacy, he said, “She has a long history of struggle, working with the Raiata Sangha and Kannada Chaluvali, and someone who is a progressive thinker.” 

“Such a woman is most deserving to inaugurate Dasara,” he added.

However, former Karnataka minister and MLA from Bijapur, Basangouda Patil Yatnal, raised objections to Mushtaq’s selection. He said that her participation in the festival would be at odds with her personal faith.

Banu Mushtaq is an Indian Kannada-language writer, activist, and lawyer from Karnataka. She is best known for Heart Lamp, a selection of her short stories translated by Deepa Bhasthi, which won the International Booker Prize in 2025.

Dasara celebrations in Mysore commence on September 23, and the grand final day, Vijayadasami Day, falls on October 2.

Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News, Technology, Entertainment, Sports, Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

BJP’s victory in local body polls indicator of coming Assembly polls: Bommai

Image
Bengaluru : The results of local body polls in Vijayapura and Kollegal, on Monday, came as a shot in the arm for the Basavaraj Bommai-led BJP government in Karnataka. The Chief Minister expressed his happiness over the victory of BJP in local body polls to Vijayapura City Corporation, Kollegal Town Municipality and Savanur Town Panchayat on Monday. The elections were held on October 28. Of the total 35 seats, BJP has won in 17 seats in Vijayapura City Corporation, with the Congress winning only 10 seats. The AIMIM won two seats, while the JD(S) settled for one seat. The BJP is expected to take help from the independent candidates who have won five seats. In Kollegal city Municipal Council, the BJP swept the polls by winning six of the seven seats. Also Read Karnata: CM Bommai, corporate honchos congratulate UK PM-elect Rishi Sunak “This is the indicator for the blooming of lotus all over the State in the 2023 Assembly elections,” the CM said. As Karnataka is due for assembly...
Read more

Karnataka: BJP MLA used HIV positive women to honey trap rivals, probe launched

Image
In a shocking revelation, a 40-year-old woman has accused Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) MLA Munirathna of raping her, claiming that the MLA used a honey-trapping scheme involving women infected with HIV to target his rivals. Police on September 18 registered a case against Munirathna for repeated rape, sexual harassment, and voyeurism following a complaint filed by the woman. In her complaint, she alleged that Munirathna sexually assaulted her in March 2020 and continued to rape her for the next two years. She further asserted that he used to threaten and force her into unlawful acts, including honey-trapping political rivals. According to her account, the victim said that the MLA during a conversation with her revealed that he used honeytraping tactics for one of his political rivals, who was infected with HIV. The MLA had asked her to help him lure another target using an HIV-infected person. However, the complainant refused. The police, who are investigating the rape charges, wil...
Read more

MUDA case: Karnataka HC rejects Siddaramaiah’s plea against Governor move

Image
The Karnataka High Court dismissed chief minister Siddaramaiah’s petition on Tuesday, September 24, challenging Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot’s approval for an investigation into the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) site allotment case. In a single judge bench, Justice M Nagaprasanna stated that an investigation was necessary and affirmed the governor’s authority to make an independent decision. The court found no evidence of the Governor’s non-application of mind in the matter. The chief minister challenged the approval given by the Governor for an investigation against him in the alleged irregularities in the allotment of 14 sites to his wife by the MUDA in a prime locality. “The facts narrated in the petition would undoubtedly require investigation, in the teeth of the fact that the beneficiary of all these acts is not anybody outside but the family of the petitioner. The petition stands dismissed,” Justice Nagaprasanna ruled, adding, “interim order of any kind subsistin...
Read more