““We cannot ask everyone to wear Sindoor and become Hindus”, says Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah, defends ‘inclusive’ Mysuru Dussehra Inauguration”, The Commune Mag, September 2, 2025:

“Commenting on the row surrounding the inauguration of Mysuru Dasara festivities by Kannada author and Booker Prize awardee Banu Mushtaq, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated on Tuesday that the government cannot ask all participants in the festival to wear ‘sindoor’ and identify themselves as Hindus.

Speaking to reporters in Mysuru, CM Siddaramaiah, responding to the BJP’s demand that Banu Mushtaq wear ‘kumkum’, bangles, and flowers if she wished to inaugurate the festival, said, “Banu Mushtaq hails from the Muslim community. She is a Kannada writer. Is there a custom in Islam to wear kumkum? We celebrate Dussehra as the Nada Habba (festival of the land). What if we asked people of other religions to come to the ceremony wearing kumkum and become Hindus?”

When asked about comments suggesting that Banu Mushtaq would attend the Dussehra celebration after eating beef, CM Siddaramaiah retorted, “The Opposition will make claims, but have you seen it?” Answering a question on the alleged fatwa issued by Muslim religious leaders against Banu Mushtaq, the Chief Minister said, “Muslim preachers have clarified that they have not issued any fatwas against her. It is false news……”

Read the full article at Thecommunemag.com