Raichur: Controversy Sparks Over Booker Prize Winner Banu Mushtaq in Karnataka
A new controversy has emerged in Karnataka involving Booker Prize-winning author Banu Mushtaq. Former BJP leader and state legislator C.T. Ravi has made strong comments, claiming that Mushtaq’s remarks about Hindu religious symbols could have led to severe reactions if she had spoken similarly about Islam.
The controversy started when the Congress-led Karnataka government announced Mushtaq’s name to inaugurate this year’s Dusshera festival — a major event celebrating Hindu culture and traditions. However, the BJP raised objections, citing a video where Mushtaq questions the connection between the Kannada language and goddess Bhuvaneshwari. She also criticizes the traditional Kannada flag, which features a red and yellow color representing turmeric (haldi) and sindoor (vermilion).
BJP leaders demanded that the government revoke Mushtaq’s invitation to the event. They also alleged that the names of other prominent figures, like Deepa Bhasti — a Hindu translator of Mushtaq’s work and a Booker awardee — were deliberately left out of the celebrations.
In Raichur, C.T. Ravi addressed reporters and voiced his criticism. He said Mushtaq’s opinions go against the local culture. “Her remarks about goddess Bhuvaneshwari — can we hide her in a burqa? We celebrate sindoor, perform arti, and offer flowers. Can she be covered with a burqa? These comments don’t match our traditions,” Ravi said.
He didn’t stop there. Ravi warned that if Mushtaq had made similar comments about Islam, the Quran, or Prophet Muhammad, the reaction would be very different — possibly violence. “If she had spoken about Islam the way she spoke about goddess Bhuvaneshwari, she might have been stoned to death. We’re not asking for that, but we do want her to apologize for hurting the feelings of the majority community,” Ravi added.
Ravi also criticized Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for defending Mushtaq. “By not asking her to apologize, the Chief Minister is indirectly supporting her statements. If he respects our land and language, he should have condemned her remarks. Instead, it looks like vote-bank politics,” he said.
This ongoing debate highlights tensions around cultural symbols, religious sentiments, and politics in Karnataka. The controversy has sparked widespread discussions about freedom of expression and respect for religious beliefs across the state.
