New Delhi, Aug. 25 -- Some BJP leaders have triggered a row after they questioned the Karnataka government's decision to invite Booker Prize-winning author and activist Banu Mushtaq to inaugurate the upcoming world-famous Mysuru Dasara festival.

Former Mysuru MP Pratap Simha said that she can preside over a literary event but not Dasara.

"I personally respect Banu Mushtaq for her achievement. It is acceptable when she chairs the Akhila Bharata Kannada Sahitya Sammelana, but not Dasara, a Hindu religious event which starts with offering pooja to Goddess Chamundeshwari. Does she have faith in Chamundeshwari Devi? Is she following our traditions?" Simha told reporters in Mysuru on Sunday.

BJP MLC and former minister CT Ravi said it is ina...