Archive · 1 Sep 2026
Karnataka Minister’s Islam Remarks Spark BJP Apology Demand
Karnataka minister Basavaraj Rayareddy spoke positively about Islam at a public event.
He said Islam was the best or most humane religion and that he wanted to go on the Hajj pilgrimage.
He also said he did not often visit temples or religious monasteries.
These comments upset the BJP, an opposition party.
BJP leader R Ashoka said the minister had hurt Hindu religious feelings.
Ashoka asked the chief minister to condemn the remarks and seek an apology.
Rayareddy later said he was only discussing the good teachings of Islam.
He said every religion has good teachings and that he did not say other religions were inferior.
Higher Education Minister Basavaraj Rayareddy called Islam the best or most humane religion and expressed interest in undertaking Hajj.
Rayareddy made the comments at a Muslim community mass marriage programme in Kukanur, Koppal district.
He said he was not a regular visitor to mutts or temples and wanted to study Islam, Judaism and Christianity.
After criticism, Rayareddy said he was highlighting Islam’s positive teachings and did not claim other religions were inferior.
BJP leader R Ashoka demanded an apology, Chief Ministerial condemnation and possible removal of Rayareddy if he refused.
- Who
- Karnataka Higher Education Minister Basavaraj Rayareddy and BJP Leader of Opposition R Ashoka are central figures in the controversy.
- What
- Rayareddy’s comments praising Islam and expressing a desire to undertake Hajj prompted BJP criticism and demands for an apology.
- When
- The remarks were made on Sunday; the articles do not provide a specific date.
- Where
- At a Muslim community mass marriage programme in Kukanur, Koppal district, Karnataka; Rayareddy later addressed reporters at his residence in Yelburga.
- Why
- The BJP said the comments hurt Hindu religious sentiments and questioned whether they represented Rayareddy’s personal views or the Congress government’s position.
Rayareddy and Congress Government
BJP Opposition
Meaning of the remarks
Rayareddy and Congress Government
Rayareddy said he was praising Islam’s humane teachings and did not claim that other religions were inferior. He said every religion has good teachings.
BJP Opposition
R Ashoka said the remarks hurt Hindu religious sentiments and questioned whether they reflected the Congress government’s position.
Religious practice and public office
Rayareddy and Congress Government
Rayareddy said he was not a follower of one particular religion, wanted to study Islam, Judaism and Christianity, and was not a regular visitor to mutts or temples.
BJP Opposition
Ashoka argued that ministers may hold personal beliefs but have a greater responsibility when making public statements from constitutional office.
Political accountability
Rayareddy and Congress Government
Rayareddy defended his comments and said there was nothing wrong with appreciating other religions.
BJP Opposition
Ashoka demanded that Chief Minister D K Shivakumar condemn the remarks and seek Rayareddy’s apology, and called for his cabinet removal if he refused.
- Minister
- Basavaraj Rayareddy, Karnataka’s Higher Education Minister
- Event
- A Muslim community mass marriage programme
- Location
- Kukanur in Koppal district, Karnataka
- Remarks
- Rayareddy described Islam as the best or most humane religion and expressed a desire to undertake Hajj
- Clarification
- Rayareddy said he was highlighting Islam’s good teachings and did not say other religions were inferior
- BJP demand
- R Ashoka sought a public apology and said Rayareddy should be removed from the cabinet if he refused
- Chief minister
- Ashoka criticized Chief Minister D K Shivakumar for not publicly responding to the remarks
