Tue Aug 26 14:18:10 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:

**Summary:**

D.K. Shivakumar, Deputy Chief Minister and KPCC president, defended the Karnataka government’s decision to invite Kannada writer Banu Mushtaq, a Muslim, to inaugurate the Dasara festivities at Chamundi Hill in Mysuru. He argued that the hill is not exclusive to Hindus and that people of all faiths visit and pray there. He criticized the BJP’s opposition, highlighting the nation’s secular principles, freedom of religion, and the hypocrisy of their previous actions regarding religious minorities. He pointed out conversions between religions happen and questioned why restrictions were not put on non-Hindus visiting the Ram Temple in Ayodhya when the BJP was in power.

**News Article:**

**Karnataka Deputy CM Defends Invitation of Muslim Writer to Inaugurate Dasara Festival Amid BJP Opposition**

**BENGALURU – August 26, 2025** – Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has staunchly defended the state government’s decision to invite acclaimed Kannada writer Banu Mushtaq to inaugurate the upcoming Dasara festivities at Chamundi Hill in Mysuru on September 22nd. The move has drawn criticism from the BJP, who question the appropriateness of a Muslim individual opening a Hindu festival.

Speaking to reporters, Shivakumar emphasized the secular nature of the location and the country, stating, “Chamundi Hill is not the property of Hindus alone. All communities, including Muslims, go to the hill to pray to God.” He drew parallels to people of all faiths visiting various religious sites across the country, questioning why opposition exists in this instance.

Shivakumar further challenged the BJP’s stance, highlighting the existence of conversions between religions and questioning their past actions. “Aren’t Muslims practising Hindu rituals? Why did they not put up boards saying that only Hindus should come to the Ram temple in Ayodhya? Why were the Haj Committee and Minority Departments not abolished in the entire country when the BJP government was in power earlier and now? All this is politics,” he stated.

He reiterated that the Constitution of India guarantees freedom of religion and equal opportunities for all citizens, regardless of their faith. The Dasara festival is a major cultural event in Karnataka, and this year’s inauguration is already sparking significant political debate.

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