Muslim leaders divided over choice of Banu Mushtaq to inaugurate Dasara

BENGALURU: The invitation to Booker Prize winner Banu Mushtaq to inaugurate the Dasara festival has generated much controversy. While Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has been defending her selection, Muslim leaders are expressing contradictory opinions.

BJP leaders are strongly opposing Banu Mushtaq’s selection, questioning her suitability to preside over a Hindu religious event due to her personal faith. They argue that Dasara is a Hindu festival and that a Muslim woman inaugurating it would be inappropriate.

Some Muslim leaders, like Shafi Saadi, former Waqf Board chairman, are questioning why there was no opposition when Nisar Ahmed inaugurated Dasara in the past. Others, however, are supporting Banu Mushtaq’s selection, citing her contributions to Kannada literature.

Banu Mushtaq has made significant contributions to Kannada literature, and her selection is a recognition of her work. Dasara is a state festival that celebrates Karnataka’s heritage and culture, not just a religious event, Shafi said.

However, some others pointed out that Dasara is a Hindu festival and a Muslim woman inaugurating it would be inconsistent with Hindu traditions. Idol worship is forbidden in Islam and Banu Mushtaq’s participation in the festival will be seen as going against her faith, they noted.

Mohammad Kunhi, secretary, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, opined, “The government selected her for Dasara as a guest, and the chief minister has given clarification. All religious people will participate in the festival. From that point of view, who inaugurates the Dasara festival is not an issue. Religious beliefs are different, Dasara is not a religious festival, but a cultural festival. I don’t know what the reason behind this controversy. It is for Banu Mushtaq to decide what to do depending on her beliefs”, he said.