Islam ‘superior to other religions’: Indian minister’s remarks stir BJP backlash

Karnataka minister’s Islam remarks spark controversy

Karnataka minister Basavaraj Rayareddy has sparked controversy after describing Islam as “superior to other religions” at a Muslim community event. He later clarified that his comments were not meant to suggest that other religions were inferior.

Rayareddy made the remarks while speaking at a mass marriage programme in Kuknoor, Koppal district. He described Islam as a great and humanitarian religion and said he was interested in studying different religions and their histories.

Remarks draw BJP criticism

The comments quickly drew criticism from BJP leaders in Karnataka. Leader of Opposition R Ashoka accused the minister of insulting Sanatana Dharma and demanded that he withdraw his remarks and apologise.

Ashoka also said Rayareddy should resign if he was unwilling to apologise. The BJP argued that the remarks were inappropriate for a minister and questioned the Congress government over the controversy.

Rayareddy explains his position

Rayareddy later defended his comments and said he had not called other religions bad or inferior. “I never said that other religions are bad. All religions are great... I have visited Kashi and several Jyotirlingas,” he told reporters.

He also said that praising the positive qualities of Islam did not mean disrespecting other faiths. “No religion is bad,” he said while explaining his position.

Political row continues

The controversy comes at a sensitive time in Karnataka politics, with opposition leaders using the remarks to challenge the Congress government. The BJP has called for either an apology from Rayareddy or action against him.

Rayareddy, meanwhile, has maintained that he respects different religions and is interested in studying their teachings and history. His clarification may reduce some criticism, but the political debate over his original remarks is continuing.

The controversy shows how comments about religion can quickly become a major political issue. Rayareddy’s clarification suggests he wanted to praise Islam without putting down other faiths.

The BJP’s response indicates that the issue is likely to remain part of the political debate in Karnataka. The focus will now be on whether Rayareddy offers any further clarification or whether the Congress leadership responds to the demands for action.

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