Sun Sep 07 07:58:43 UTC 2025: ## News Article: Karnataka CM Defends Choice of International Booker Prize Winner to Inaugurate Mysuru Dasara
**Bengaluru, India** – Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has vowed to defend the selection of writer Banu Mushtaq, winner of the prestigious International Booker Prize, to inaugurate this year’s ‘Mysuru Dasara’ festival.
Responding to opposition to Mushtaq’s selection, Siddaramaiah stated that he will fight those opposing her inauguration both politically and legally. The Chief Minister did not specify the reasons for the opposition, but his strong defense suggests the controversy centers around Mushtaq’s identity or views.
The Mysuru Dasara is a renowned ten-day festival celebrating the victory of good over evil and is a major cultural event in Karnataka. The inauguration is a highly symbolic and important event. This year’s selection has clearly ignited a political firestorm, with Siddaramaiah determined to stand his ground and support the International Booker Prize winning author. The situation is expected to develop further in the coming days as the festival approaches.
First Piper 