Speaking Saturday at a mass marriage programme organised by the Muslim community in Kuknoor town, Karnataka Higher Education Minister Basavaraj Rayareddy made remarks few political figures venture into publicly.
DON'T MISS
“Islam is the scientific and greatest religion in the world. I have a wish to go on Haj pilgrimage at least once.”
The six-time MLA added that he rarely visits temples or maths but respects the teachings of every faith, and said he was willing to study the Quran himself.
“Wrong Notions” and a Call for Harmony
Rayareddy argued that misconceptions about Islam persist in society and that the Quran “is not only for Muslims,” urging people to move beyond ritual and adopt good principles from all religions rather than lean into fanaticism.
BJP Demands Apology, Cites “Anti-Hindu Mindset”
The remarks triggered an immediate backlash. Karnataka BJP president R Ashoka accused the Congress government of an “anti-Hindu mindset” and pointed to Chief Minister DK Shivakumar’s own temple visits, calling them performative. The opposition demanded Rayareddy either apologise to the Hindu community or resign from the cabinet.
Minister Walks Back, Says Comments Were Misread
Facing mounting pressure, Rayareddy issued a clarification, insisting he had not belittled any other religion and that his intent was to convey that all religions are great when read outside political context. He also noted that visiting Mecca isn’t possible for him without conversion, framing his Hajj remark as an expression of curiosity rather than religious preference.
The episode adds to a string of recent interfaith remarks by Karnataka politicians drawing polarised reactions ahead of the state’s charged political season.
