The Karnataka Chief Minister's Office (CMO) on Thursday, 1 October 2026, issued a firm clarification that no non-government programme — including the proposed Urdu Day celebration — has been granted permission to be held on the grand steps of Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru. The statement comes after a sharp political controversy erupted over reports that the state government was planning to host an Urdu Habba (Urdu Festival) at the historic seat of Karnataka's legislature on 9 November 2026.

What the CMO Said

'It is completely false to project in some sections of the media that a private programme is being held on the steps of Vidhana Soudha. The government has not permitted for any such programme,' the CMO stated. The clarification also sought to counter narratives framing the proposed event as a private function being staged at a premier government building. The office reiterated that there is 'no scope' for any non-government programme on the Vidhana Soudha steps.

The Proposed Urdu Habba and Its Origins

The controversy traces back to an announcement by Minister for Health, Family Welfare, Waqf and Minority Affairs U.T. Khader, who had declared that the state government would organise Karnataka's first-ever Urdu Habba on 9 November 2026 to mark Urdu Day. The festival was intended to celebrate Urdu language, literature, heritage, books, cuisine, and diverse art forms, and was positioned as an inclusive cultural event open to all communities. Minister Khader had subsequently said the government would seek opinions and was prepared to make adjustments based on the feedback received.

BJP's Objections and Political Fallout

The reported plan drew immediate and strong objections from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). BJP state president B.Y. Vijayendra accused the ruling Congress government of indulging in divisive politics to appease minority communities. He questioned why Kannada — Karnataka's official language and the cultural identity the Vidhana Soudha symbolises — should not be accorded greater prominence at the venue. Critics beyond the BJP also raised concerns about whether Kannada language and literature had been offered a similarly prominent platform.

Mixed Signals Within the Government

Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara told reporters the matter had not come to his notice, saying he had no information about the programme — an admission that highlighted apparent gaps in coordination within the state cabinet before the proposal became public. The contrasting statements from Minister Khader and the Deputy Chief Minister fuelled the perception of confusion within the government, making the CMO's clarifying intervention necessary.

What Happens Next

With the Vidhana Soudha steps ruled out as a venue, it remains unclear whether the Urdu Habba will proceed at an alternative location, be deferred, or be dropped entirely. No official announcement has been made on a revised venue or date. The episode reflects the recurring tension in Karnataka politics between linguistic identity and minority cultural rights — a fault line that has previously shaped electoral outcomes in the state.