Karnataka CM Scolds Crowd
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah lost his temper during the Mysuru Dasara festival inauguration at Chamundeshwari temple on Chamundi Hills on Monday. A viral video shows him pointing at a section of the audience and scolding those allegedly disturbing the event.
In Kannada, Siddaramaiah was heard saying:
“Can’t you sit for a little while? Sit down. Who is that? If I tell you once, don’t you understand? Why did you even come here? You should have stayed at home.”
He also instructed the police not to let the individuals leave, adding:
“Police, don’t let them go. Can’t you sit for half an hour or an hour? Then, why are you attending this function?”
Dasara Festival Controversy
The 11-day Mysuru Dasara festival began amid controversy this year after the government invited International Booker Prize-winning author Banu Mushtaq to inaugurate the event.
Opposition leaders, particularly from the BJP, objected to her selection. An old video resurfaced, showing Mushtaq expressing reservations about worshipping the Kannada language as “Goddess Bhuvaneshwari,” which some perceived as exclusionary to minorities. Critics also labelled her past statements as “anti-Hindu” and “anti-Kannada.”
Siddaramaiah Defends Inclusivity
Despite the criticism, Siddaramaiah firmly defended the invitation, highlighting the festival’s inclusive nature. He said:
“Dasara is not a festival of any one religion or caste; it is a festival of all.”
He elaborated that Banu Mushtaq, a Muslim woman by birth, is a human being first, emphasizing that humanity should transcend religion and caste.
“Humans should love and respect each other and there should be no hate based on one’s caste and religion, as it is not the characteristic of humanity,” he added.
Public Reactions
The CM’s scolding and the ongoing controversy over the inauguration sparked widespread attention online. Social media users shared the video, sparking debates about discipline at public events and the importance of inclusivity in cultural celebrations.
Siddaramaiah’s remarks underline the tensions between political opposition and cultural events, while also reinforcing his stance on diversity and acceptance during one of Karnataka’s most prominent festivals.
