Mysuru: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has stirred political debate by stating that Chamundi Hill, home to the famous Chamundeshwari Temple, is not exclusively Hindu property. His remarks came ahead of the upcoming Mysuru Dasara-2025 celebrations, which will be inaugurated by International Booker Prize winner Banu Mushtaq on September 22.
“Chamundi Hill and Goddess Chamundi belong to every religion; it is not the property of Hindus alone. People of all communities go to Chamundi Hills and offer prayers to the Goddess, it is their belief. We go to Churches, Jain temples, Dhargahas, and Gurudwaras…this (opposition to Banu Mushtaq) is all politics,” Shivakumar said on Tuesday.
He cited interfaith examples and questioned why similar restrictions were not applied to the Ayodhya Ram Mandir. “This is a secular country, there is a Constitution, everyone has protection, everyone can follow their belief and faith,” he added.
BJP leaders respond sharply
The opposition BJP reacted strongly to Shivakumar’s statement. Leader of Opposition in the Assembly R Ashoka declared that Chamundi Hill is “pucca” (definitely) Hindu property.
“Even if a hundred DK Shivakumars come, they can’t change it. It is a pucca Hindu property. Chamundi Hill, Dharmasthala, Tirupati, Sabarimala, all these are property of Hindus. If you try to touch or alter things at Chamundi Hill, there will be an uprising. Be careful, I’m giving this warning to the Congress party,” Ashoka said.
Mysuru MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, a member of the royal family, also condemned Shivakumar’s remarks. Posting on social media, he said, “Chamundi Betta is a Shakti Peetha—sanctified by the Shastras and revered by crores of Hindus. The temple was, is, and will always remain Hindu property.” He added that while Karnataka respects all religions, repeated assaults on Hindu festivals, traditions, and temples would not be tolerated.
Background of controversy
The controversy is tied to the government’s invitation to Banu Mushtaq to inaugurate the Dasara festivities. BJP leaders raised objections citing an old video in which Mushtaq reportedly expressed reservations about worshipping the Kannada language as “Goddess Bhuvaneshwari,” calling it exclusionary to minorities.
Several BJP leaders, including state president BY Vijayendra and Mysuru MP Yaduveer Wadiyar, had asked Mushtaq to clarify her stance before agreeing to inaugurate the celebrations. Mushtaq has since stated that her remarks were distorted and selectively shared on social media.
Political implications
The comments by Shivakumar have intensified the debate over cultural and religious representation in state-sponsored festivals. With Dasara being one of the most prominent celebrations in Karnataka, the remarks have triggered discussions on secularism, heritage, and inclusivity, even as political parties exchange strong statements ahead of the festival.