Mysuru MP Firm on Clarification From Banu Mushtaq Over Her Past Remarks on Mother Kannada
Yaduveer said “We have to question Banu Mushtaq whether she is okay with worshipping idols at the inaugural function of Dasara festivities which is a religious and cultural event.”
Bengaluru: Scion of erstwhile Mysore royal family and Lok Sabha member representing Mysuru-Kodagu Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar on Friday imposed a condition of International Booker Prize-2025 winner Banu Mushtaq to come out with a clarification on her past remarks regarding Goddess Bhuvaneshwari, revered as State deity (Mother Kannada).
However, he made it clear that if she does not issue her clarification sought, then, “My objection to her opening Dasara festivities will be there.”
It may be recalled here the high-level committee on Dasara gave the task of picking a dignitary to inaugurate Mysore Dasara festivities to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and he picked Banu Mushtaq over her contribution to literary, women’s rights, farmers struggle and contributions to Kannada.
“It is appropriate for Mushtaq to clarify her reverence towards Goddess Bhuvaneshwari and Goddess Chamundeshwari, the presiding deity of Mysuru, before consenting to preside as Chief Guest of to open this year’s Dasara celebrations,” said Yaduveer and stated “I sought her clarification earlier as well but there was no response from her, so far to her past remark at a function in 2023.”
“If she withdraws her past remarks on Goddess Bhuvaneshwari then, it's fine,” he said and sought her clarification over her past remarks since it is a matter of Kannada and hurting the sentiments of the people.
Yaduveer said “We have to question Banu Mushtaq whether she is okay with worshipping idols at the inaugural function of Dasara festivities which is a religious and cultural event.”
Yaduveer told reporters in Mysuru that he will decide on writing a letter to State Government after consulting his party leaders to urge equal importance to writer Deepa Bhasti (along with Banu Mushtaq) translator of Banu Mushtaq’s ‘Heart Lamp’ short story anthology which won International Booker Prize-2025 into English from Kannada.
Leader of Opposition in Assembly and BJP MLA R. Ashoka doubted the State Government “intentionally” picked Banu Mushtaq to inaugurate Dasara festivities knowing well that her selection would draw opposition but questioned the rationale of the State Government “Why did it choose her?”
Continuing, he said, “What is the message the State Government wants to send it across to the State?”.