Karnataka minister Basavaraj Rayareddi Islam remark sparks BJP backlash

Karnataka Higher Education Minister Basavaraj Rayareddi has sparked a political row after saying Islam is “shreshta dharam” or a “great religion” compared to other faiths while speaking at a Muslim community mass marriage programme. He also said he wished to visit Mecca, but could not do so as a non-Muslim.

The remarks drew a sharp response from BJP leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly R Ashoka, who said the minister had put Sanatana Dharma in an inferior light. He asked Rayareddi to withdraw the remarks and apologise, and said Chief Minister DK Shivakumar should remove him from the Cabinet if he did not do so.

Speaking at the event in Kuknoor in Koppal district on Sunday, Rayareddi said, “I would like to say that Islam is shreshta dharam (great religion) than other dharmas….” He said there were misconceptions about Islam and added that he had tried to study the Quran and other religions and their history.

Later, describing Islam as highly disciplined, highly scientific and the most humane religion, he said, “Read it, understand, and don’t become bigots, don’t become casteists… We should respect all religions, we should know good things in all religions as religions are for well being of mankind and we should try to do good.” He added, “Islam is a good religion. I’m speaking here very happily. I’m thinking very much about going to Mecca, but I can’t go there as one should convert to Islam (to go there). It’s a tradition in that religion,” and said people should follow its teachings “instead of just going to Masjid”.

Reacting to the statement, Ashoka said Rayareddi must withdraw his remarks and apologise to all Hindus in the state, and if he was not prepared to do so, the chief minister must “demonstrate his commitment” by removing him from the Cabinet. Addressing Shivakumar, Ashoka asked, “Is there no end to the anti-Hindu mindset of your Congress government?” He said that “by stating, in effect, that Islam is greater than other religions, he has portrayed Sanatana Dharma in an inferior light.” Questioning whether this was the Congress party’s idea of “equal respect for all religions”, he also asked whether its public posturing was only meant to secure Hindu votes.

Ashoka said that if Rayareddi neither apologised nor was removed, “crores of Hindus in Karnataka” would conclude that the Congress government’s expressions of respect for Hindu Dharma were only “for votes and for show”. He further accused the Congress of being “anti-Hindu”. The controversy began after Rayareddi’s comments at the mass marriage programme, where he praised Islam and spoke of his wish to visit Mecca.

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With PTI inputs