Karnataka Minister's 'Islam Superior' Remark Draws BJP Fire, Apology Sought

The opposition BJP in Karnataka has escalated pressure on the Congress government, demanding action against Higher Education Minister Basavaraj Rayareddy for his recent comments describing Islam as "superior to all other religions." The party has called for either a public apology to the Hindu community or his resignation from the cabinet.

Speaking at an event in Kuknoor town in Koppal district, Rayareddy praised Islam as a humanitarian and science-based religion. He added that those unfamiliar with it often hold incorrect assumptions. The minister, who also noted his limited study of Abrahamic religions, said Islam's emphasis on humanity makes it superior.

State BJP chief R Ashoka condemned the remarks as demeaning to Sanatan Dharma and Hindu places of worship. In a sharp post on X, he questioned Chief Minister DK Shivakumar's silence, contrasting it with his frequent, highly publicised temple visits. Ashoka alleged the minister's comments belittled the faith of millions of Hindus and demanded Rayareddy withdraw his statement and seek forgiveness. If not, he insisted Shivakumar must remove him from the cabinet, warning that continued inaction would expose the CM's temple visits as mere political theatre.

BJP spokesperson Ashok Gowda echoed the criticism, accusing the minister of trying to appease his voter base with outdated views. He urged Rayareddy to study various religious texts before making sweeping conclusions.

The controversy comes just two days after another Karnataka minister, B Nagendra, resigned for the second time in two years amid corruption allegations. Rayareddy, a former financial adviser to ex-CM Siddaramaiah, was inducted into the cabinet earlier this month during a reshuffle.