The controversy surrounding the selection of Booker Prize-winning author Banu Mushtaq to inaugurate the historic Mysuru Dasara celebrations shows no sign of abating, as BJP leader Pratap Simha has approached the Karnataka High Court seeking directions to revoke the government’s decision.

Meanwhile, two organisations have announced marches on September 9—one in support of, and the other against, Mushtaq’s role in the state-sponsored festivities.

In his petition, Simha argued that the Dasara inauguration involves offering floral tributes to the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari and the recital of the Vedas. He added that members of the erstwhile royal family of Mysuru opposed the government’s decision and claimed that Mushtaq had criticised the Kannada language. Simha accused Mushtaq of being “anti-Hindu” and questioned her fitness to preside over the event.

Earlier this year, Mushtaq became the first author writing in Kannada to win the Booker Prize for her translated collection of short stories, Heart Lamp.

Despite the rising political storm, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah told reporters that the court would make the final decision.

“In the past, Nisar Ahmed inaugurated the festival. He was (the Mysore-Kodagu) MP then. Why didn’t he go to court then?” Siddaramaiah remarked, adding that the issue was being politicised and that the government “will fight it out politically.”

Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar dismissed Simha’s actions as a bid for political relevance.

“He needs to be relevant in politics. So, he is doing such things. The court will hear the case and make a decision,” he said on Sunday.

The Hindu Jagarana Vedike and the Dalit Mahasabha announced marches to Chamundi Hill, where the inauguration is scheduled to take place. The BJP has joined the opposition, with Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka vowing to protest should the government proceed with the invitation.

The Dalit Mahasabha, however, termed the controversy politically motivated, aimed at stirring communal tensions in Mysuru.

The Congress government has maintained that, as the sponsor of the Dasara festivities, it holds the discretion to select any personality from the arts and literature sector to inaugurate the event.

Mushtaq herself had dismissed the BJP’s criticism, viewing the invitation as a chance to fulfill a personal vow to Goddess Chamundeshwari.

Reportedly, she recalled how her friend Meena Mysuru had prayed to the Goddess when her book was shortlisted for the Booker Prize.

“That visit didn’t happen then. Now, the government has offered me an opportunity to fulfil the vow by inviting me to inaugurate the Dasara celebrations,” she said.

Rejecting the political uproar, she added, “Why should I react to the negativity of a few? People themselves are replying to those comments.”

The BJP’s criticism focused on religious grounds, with leaders arguing that the government had selected “someone whose faith is uncertain” to open Karnataka’s most significant cultural and religious event.

Mysuru MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar had distanced himself from the party’s position, saying, “There was 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.”

Mushtaq had praised Wadiyar’s stance, stating, “I wish the tribe of Mysuru MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar grows in the BJP. He has given a clear statement on the issue with no ambiguity,” while stressing that politicians should know what not to politicise.

For Mushtaq, the controversy is a misplaced distraction.

“I do not belong to any particular caste or religion. The state belongs to all Kannadigas,” she had said, underlining her belief that Dasara should unite rather than divide.