Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah cautioned political opponents against indulging in petty politics over the ‘Nada Habba’ (State festival), which got off to a traditional start atop Chamundi Hills in Mysuru on September 22.
Speaking after offering prayers to Goddess Chamundeshwari and inaugurating Mysuru Dasara 2025, Mr. Siddaramaiah said, “Goda hai – Maidan hai, let’s do politics in elections. But let’s not indulge in dirty politics with regard to Nada Habba.”
“It was appropriate that International Booker Prize winner Banu Mushtaq inaugurated this year’s Dasara festivities. I thank her on behalf of the people of the State, and the people of Mysuru district in particular, for inaugurating the Nada Habba”SiddaramaiahChief Minister of Karnataka
The Chief Minister defended the decision to have International Booker Prize winner and writer Banu Mushtaq inaugurate this year’s festivities. “Those who opposed her have neither knowledge of Dasara nor of our cultural heritage. Twisting history and indulging in selfish politics is unpardonable. If you want to do politics, do it during elections, not during our cultural festival,” he remarked.
He said a large section of our society had welcomed Ms. Mushtaq inaugurating the festivities and that it is a matter of pride for Karnataka. “It is appropriate that an International Booker Prize recipient inaugurated the Dasara. Ms. Banu Mushtaq is not just a Muslim woman. She is a human being who upholds human values. We must live with love, not hatred. Hatred is against humanity, and those who spread hate are against humanity itself,” he argued.
Reiterating his commitment to the values enshrined in the Constitution, the CM said, “Our Constitution is secular and non-religious. Both the High Court of Karnataka and the Supreme Court have upheld this. We must first understand the Constitution to know our rights and responsibilities.”
Mr. Siddaramaiah said Ms. Banu Mushtaq’s Dasara inaugural speech has opened the eyes of those who had opposed inviting her to inaugurate the ‘Nada Habba’.
Quoting ‘Rashtrakavi’ Kuvempu, Mr. Siddaramaiah reminded, “Leave behind temples, churches, and mosques. Ours is a garden of peace for all communities (Sarva Janangada Shanthiya Totha). We must always remember Kuvempu’s words.”
He stressed that Karnataka must be built as Kuvempu envisioned – a peaceful garden for all races – and used the poet’s message to target those opposing secularism.
Turning his attention to the BJP, which has criticised the Congress government’s guarantee schemes claiming they will bankrupt the State, Mr. Siddaramaiah asked, “Are BJP leaders not beneficiaries of our guarantees? We have implemented these guarantees in line with the spirit of the Constitution, benefitting the poor across all castes, religions, and political affiliations.”
He asserted that the schemes would continue. “Because of these guarantees, Karnataka’s per capita income is now the highest in the country at ₹2.04 lakh. In fact, per capita income has doubled. Our State has also emerged number one in GDP,” he told the gathering.
Hitting out at the BJP, the Chief Minister said, “On one hand, BJP opposes our guarantees. On the other hand, they copy them.”
Mr. Siddaramaiah claimed that women’s employment has risen significantly, crediting the government’s guarantees. “Jobs for women have gone up by 21% in Bengaluru alone and by 23% in the Hubballi region,” he said.
Published – September 22, 2025 03:26 pm IST
