Mysore/Mysuru, Sept. 12 -- Members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) Mysuru district unit staged a protest at Gandhi Square yesterday, opposing the Karnataka Government's decision to invite International Booker Prize-winning author Banu Mushtaq to inaugurate this year's Mysuru Dasara festivities.

The protest was driven by two key issues: The selection of Banu Mushtaq over Deepa Bhasthi, the translator credited with the English version of the award-winning work and the recent stone-pelting incident during a Ganesha immersion procession at Maddur.

Addressing the protesters, BJP Mahila Morcha leader Hema Nandeesh questioned the Government's choice.

"Despite our repeated appeals, only Banu Mushtaq has been invited. The Booker Prize was aw...