Do politics in elections, not in ‘Nada Habba’: Karnataka CM to opponents

International Booker Prize winner Banu Mushtaq flanked by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Mysuru district in-charge Minister H.C. Mahadevappa during the inauguration of the Dasara festivities on September 22, 2025.

| Photo Credit: Special Arragement

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, “Ghoda hai, maidan hai — let’s do politics in elections. But let’s not indulge in dirty politics with regard to Nada Habba.”

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah talks about Banu Mushtaq inaugurating Mysuru Dasara

International Booker Prize-winning writer Banu Mushtaq, who inaugurated Mysuru Dasara on September 22, called the festival a symbol of Karnataka’s collective culture.