Bengaluru, Aug. 24 -- The Karnataka government's decision to have acclaimed writer Banu Mushtaq inaugurate this year's world-famous Mysuru Dasara festival has sparked both celebration and controversy. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced on social media that Mushtaq, a Booker Prize winner for her Kannada work Edeya Hanatege, will be formally invited by the district administration to open the state's flagship cultural event.

Calling her a "progressive thinker" and someone deeply associated with the Kannada and farmers' movements, the Chief Minister said the government was proud to honour her contributions by placing her at the forefront of the Dasara festivities.

"This time, the world-famous Mysuru Dasara festival will be inaugurated by...