Karnataka minister Basavaraj Rayareddi (L) stated Islam is a great religion. BJP leader R Ashoka (R) demanded Rayareddi withdraw his statements and apologize.
BENGALURU: Karnataka higher education minister Basavaraj Rayareddi on Sunday said Islam is “greater” than other religions, news agency PTI reported. He expressed his desire to visit Mecca, but said he cannot do so as a non-Muslim. Rayareddi said, “I would like to say that Islam is shreshta dharam (great religion) than other dharmas, according to PTI. He said there are misconceptions about the religion and added that he had tried to study the Quran, other religions and their history. He also said that if Rayareddi refused, chief minister DK Shivakumar should demonstrate his commitment by removing him from the Cabinet. He said that if Rayareddi did not apologise or was not removed from the ministry, crores of Hindus in Karnataka would be left with one conclusion: “Your (CM) temple visits are not out of devotion.
The minister made the remarks while speaking at a mass marriage programme for the Muslim community in Kuknoor in Koppal district. Your words are not out of respect for Hindu Dharma. Everything is merely for votes and for show.”