Karnataka minister’s ‘superior’ remark on Islam draws BJP’s ire, seeks his resignation
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The high regard Karnataka Higher Education Minister Basavaraj Rayareddy has expressed for Islam, describing it as superior to other religions, and his desire to undertake the Haj pilgrimage at least once in his lifetime, have drawn the ire of the BJP, which demanded Chief Minister DK Shivakumar seek the resignation of Rayareddy or an apology to the Hinduthat community.
Addressing members of the Muslim community at a mass marriage ceremony in Kuknoor town in Koppal district, Rayareddy described Islam as a great and highly humanitarian religion, saying it was founded on humanity and compassion and taught people how to live responsibly and peacefully.
He also argued that the teachings of the Quran should not be regarded as belonging exclusively to Muslims, adding that people of other communities could also read it and learn from its teachings. “The Quran is not limited only to Muslims. Anyone can read it. I am also ready to study the Quran,” Rayareddy said.
He reminded people of the need to embed the principles of different faiths into everyday life rather than merely following rituals at mosques and temples, and advised them not to become religious fanatics or casteists.
However, his assertion hailing Islam as “superior to all other religions” did not go down well with the BJP, which sought an apology from the minister, urging Chief Minister Shivakumar to either ask him to apologise or seek his resignation.
Karnataka BJP president R Ashoka termed Rayareddy’s not going to mutts and temples as belittling the faith centres of millions of Hindus and stated that by saying “Islam is superior to other religions”, he had demeaned Sanatan Dharma, questioning Shivakumar’s silence over the remarks, particularly in view of the Chief Minister’s frequent visits to temples.
The BJP leader also accused the Congress government of displaying an “anti-Hindu mindset”, alleging that its leaders’ public temple visits were motivated by political considerations. BJP spokesperson Ashok Gowda likewise criticised Rayareddy, accusing him of attempting to appease his supporters and urging people to study the scriptures and histories of different religions before drawing conclusions.