Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has stirred debate by asserting that Tipu Sultan, along with Hyder Ali and Diwan Mirza Ismail, actively celebrated Mysuru Dasara, countering claims that the festival is exclusively Hindu.
“Dasara is not a religious festival. It is a celebration of Karnataka’s cultural heritage. Even Tipu Sultan celebrated it grandly,” Siddaramaiah said, addressing media ahead of the festival’s inauguration.
The remarks come amid backlash over the state’s decision to invite Booker Prize-winning author Banu Mushtaq, a Muslim, to inaugurate the 2025 Mysuru Dasara atop Chamundi Hills. BJP leaders, including BY Vijayendra and R Ashoka, have accused the Congress government of undermining Hindu traditions.
Siddaramaiah defended the move, citing historical inclusivity and past inaugurators from diverse backgrounds, including poet Nisar Ahmed. He called critics “religious fanatics” and urged them to “learn history” before politicizing cultural events.
Deputy CM DK Shivakumar also weighed in, stating that Chamundeshwari temple is revered by people of all faiths and that Dasara should not be communalized.