India's International Booker winner at the centre of a political row

Banu Mushtaq, the International Booker Prize-winning author known for her anthology Heart Lamp, is embroiled in a political controversy in India after being invited to inaugurate Mysuru Dasara festivities in Karnataka. The decision faced criticism from some Bharatiya Janata Party leaders who argued that as a Muslim from Karnataka, Mushtaq should not inaugurate a Hindu festival. The Hindu festival, celebrating good over evil, is organized by the state government and involves people of all faiths, but some BJP members have taken offense to Mushtaq's past comments and demanded clarifications on her beliefs.