Prathap Simha’s remark on Banu Mushtaq’s choice for Dasara festivities invites Lad’s ire

BJP leader and former MP Prathap Simha has questioned the State government’s decision to invite Booker Prize winner Banu Mushtaq to inaugurate this year’s Dasara festivities atop Chamundi Hills in Mysuru.

This has attracted sharp criticism from Labour Minister Santosh Lad, who has questioned whether the Constitution had placed any restrictions on inviting Ms. Mushtaq or any person from a non-Hindu faith for the ceremonial role; he also launched a counter-attack on the former MP for trying to communalise the issue.