Chief Minister Siddaramaiah hit out at critics of the state’s cultural celebrations, urging political parties to refrain from dragging the historic Mysuru Dasara festival into petty politics. Don’t politicise Nada Habba,” he challenged, after offering prayers to Goddess Chamundeshwari and inaugurating the celebrations. Taking on those who opposed Booker Prize-winning author Banu Mushtaq inaugurating this year’s festivities, the CM said such objections were baseless and divisive. The majority of people have welcomed Banu Mushtaq inaugurating Dasara. Turning to governance, the CM questioned the BJP’s stance on his government’s welfare programmes.