Karnataka minister’s ‘greatest religion’ Islam remark sparks BJP-Congress row

Bengaluru: Karnataka Higher Education Minister Basavaraj Rayareddi’s remarks describing Islam as the “greatest religion” and expressing his desire to undertake the Haj pilgrimage triggered a political row on Monday, with senior BJP leaders accusing the Congress government of pursuing “appeasement politics”.

Rayareddi also reportedly said he would not visit Hindu mutts or temples, drawing further criticism from the BJP.

Union minister Pralhad Joshi, BJP state president BY Vijayendra, Opposition leader R Ashoka and Union minister of state Shobha Karandlaje attacked the minister, alleging that his remarks insulted Sanatana Dharma.


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Rayareddi, however, defended his comments and said he had not intended to belittle any religion.

“What is wrong in that? I said there are superior thoughts in Islam. I didn’t say other religions are less superior. Islam has superior qualities, but I have not said other religions are bad. All religions are superior,” he said.

Joshi alleged that the remarks reflected the Congress government’s “politics of appeasement”. He said Rayareddi’s reported comparison of visiting the Mecca mosque with Hindu temples was an “insult” to Sanatana Dharma and Hindu devotees.

Joshi also linked the controversy to the government’s handling of religious celebrations and law-and-order issues, alleging that the Congress administration had failed in “value-based governance”.

Vijayendra said he had no objection to Rayareddi favouring Muslims but reminded the minister that Hindus had also voted for him. He accused the Congress of increasingly relying on Muslim voters and warned that the party would pay a “heavy price” for such statements.

Ashoka accused Rayareddi of openly disparaging Hinduism by calling Islam superior and saying he would avoid Hindu religious institutions and temples. He said ministers were constitutionally bound to treat all religions equally and alleged that the Congress leadership had institutionalised appeasement politics.

Karandlaje also criticised Rayareddi, saying his remarks hurt the sentiments of Hindus who had elected him. She accused Congress leaders of making such statements to please the party’s central leadership.

The controversy comes amid frequent war of words between the BJP and the Congress over issues related to minorities and Hindu religious celebrations.