Union Minister of State Shobha Karandlaje on Monday launched a sharp attack on Karnataka Higher Education Minister Basavaraj Rayareddi over his recent remarks praising Islam, accusing Indian National Congress (Congress) leaders of making such statements solely to please party leader Rahul Gandhi. The political row erupted after Rayareddi's comments at a community event in Kukanur, Karnataka drew swift condemnation from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders.

What Karandlaje Said

Karandlaje, who holds charge of the Ministries of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and Labour and Employment, posted her criticism directly on X, writing “Shame on you” and accusing Rayareddi of insulting the sentiments of those who elected him.

“Mr. Basavaraj Rayareddy, you are insulting the sentiments of the majority of people who elected you, including millions of followers of Hinduism and the teachings of Jagadguru Basavanna,” she said in her post.

Karandlaje further challenged Rayareddi to act on his stated admiration. “If you truly admire Islam, no one is stopping you from embracing and propagating it openly. Have the courage to take a clear stand. Do not mislead people by being physically here while your convictions lie elsewhere,” she said.

She also broadened her attack to the Congress party at large, alleging political opportunism. “It is unfortunate to see Congress leaders stoop to such levels merely to please Rahul Gandhi. Such statements only expose their political opportunism and disconnect from the people,” Karandlaje added.

What Rayareddi Actually Said

The controversy stems from remarks Rayareddi made at a free mass marriage ceremony organised for members of the Muslim community at Kukanur on the occasion of Prophet Muhammad's birth anniversary. Speaking at the event, he described Islam as a great religion and said there was something to learn from every faith.

Rayareddi also said that many misconceptions were being created about Islam, expressed a willingness to study the Quran, and stated his desire to undertake the Hajj pilgrimage, noting he had not yet had the opportunity. He stressed that good principles existed in all religions, that Islam strongly promoted humanity, and cautioned against religious fanaticism and casteism.

Congress Defends Rayareddi

Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge stepped in to defend his cabinet colleague, framing the remarks as an expression of universal religious tolerance.

“Basavaraj Rayareddy has very clearly stated that there is something to learn in every religion, including Islam. There are certain aspects of Islam, Buddhism, Jainism or atheism that anybody can adopt and should adopt. What is wrong with that?” Kharge said.

Political Fallout

The exchange has since widened into a broader political controversy, with BJP leaders using Rayareddi's remarks to target the Congress government in Karnataka. Congress, in turn, has defended the position that learning from diverse religious traditions is neither novel nor objectionable.

Notably, this is not the first time remarks made at a community religious event by a Congress minister in Karnataka have triggered a BJP backlash — a pattern that has become a recurring feature of the state's political landscape since the Congress returned to power in 2023. As the BJP sharpens its cultural messaging ahead of future electoral cycles, controversies of this nature are likely to intensify.