Mysuru: Joining the chorus of Hindu groups opposing the selection of senior Kannada writer and International Booker Prize winner Banu Mushtaq for Dasara inauguration, the Hindu Rashtra Samanvaya Samiti presented a memorandum to the State Government, at the Deputy Commissioner’s office on Bannur road in Siddarthanagar here yesterday, seeking  withdrawal of the decision to selct Banu Mushtaq for Dasara inauguration.

Speaking to media persons after submitting the memorandum, the Samiti Convenor Sharat Kumar said that Dasara is not only a cultural festival for Hindus, but also a very big Dharmic Navaratri festival, during which deities including Kali, Mahalakshmi and Saraswathi will be worshipped with utmost devotion. Pointing out that Dasara inaugurators should have utmost devotion towards Goddess Chamundeshwari, he said that, it is regretful to note that  Banu Mushtaq does’nt seem to have respect for Hindu religion, going by her past actions.

“Banu Mushtaq in a speech she had earlier made, had clearly said that she does not accept Goddess Bhuvaneshwari as Kannada goddess. She had also supported Muslim community during Chikkamagalur Dattapeetha movement. In this backdrop it is not a wise decision                                          to invite Banu for Dasara inauguration”, he said.