Karnataka Higher Education Minister Basavaraj Rayareddi has triggered a political controversy after describing Islam as “shreshta dharam”, or a “great religion”, in comparison with other faiths while addressing a mass marriage programme organised for the Muslim community. He also said he wished to visit Mecca but could not do so because he is not a Muslim.
His comments drew a strong reaction from BJP leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly, R Ashoka, who accused the minister of portraying Sanatana Dharma as inferior. Ashoka demanded that Rayareddi withdraw his remarks and apologise, and said Chief Minister DK Shivakumar should drop him from the Cabinet if he refused.
Speaking at the event in Kuknoor, 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 several misconceptions surrounding Islam and explained that he had attempted to study the Quran as well as other religions and their histories.
Describing Islam as a highly disciplined, scientific and humane faith, Rayareddi later urged people to learn about different religions instead of developing prejudice.
“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 said.
He also said, “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.”
Rayareddi further urged people to follow the teachings of Islam rather than simply visiting a mosque.
R ASHOKA DEMANDS APOLOGY
Responding to Rayareddi’s comments, Ashoka demanded that the minister retract his statement and apologise to Hindus across Karnataka. He said that if Rayareddi refused, Shivakumar should show his commitment by removing him from the Cabinet.
Addressing the Chief Minister, Ashoka asked, “Is there no end to the anti-Hindu mindset of your Congress government?”
He alleged that by saying Islam was greater than other religions, Rayareddi had effectively placed Sanatana Dharma in an inferior position.
Ashoka also questioned whether such comments represented the Congress party’s interpretation of “equal respect for all religions” and asked whether its public statements on religious harmony were merely aimed at securing Hindu votes.
He warned that if Rayareddi neither apologised nor lost his ministerial position, “crores of Hindus in Karnataka” would believe that the Congress government’s expressions of respect for Hindu Dharma were only “for votes and for show”.
Ashoka further accused the Congress of having an “anti-Hindu” mindset.
The controversy erupted following Rayareddi’s remarks at the mass marriage event, where he praised Islam, spoke about its teachings and expressed his desire to visit Mecca.
