Karnataka Minister for Higher Education Basavaraj Rayareddy on Monday defended his earlier comments praising Islam, clarifying that he had never suggested other religions were inferior. The remarks have triggered a political row in Bengaluru, with the ruling Congress and opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) trading sharp words over the minister's stated views on faith.

What Rayareddy Said

Speaking to reporters, Rayareddy stood by his position while reframing it as a broader celebration of all faiths. 'What's wrong with my statement? I stated that there are noble thoughts in Islam. I have not stated that other religions are inferior. I stated that Islam has excellent qualities, that's all. What's wrong if I had stated that Islam is superior? This is not good for the media. We would have spoken circumstantially at the event that all religions are superior. What's wrong? No religion is bad,' he said.

The controversy traces back to remarks Rayareddy 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. At the event, he reportedly said Islam was a great religion and that every faith had something to offer.

The Minister's Interfaith Record

Rayareddy sought to contextualise his comments by describing an extensive personal journey across religious traditions. He said he had visited Kashi and Jyotirlingas for the purpose of study, travelled to Israel to learn about Judaism, and visited China to study Confucianism and Buddhism. He also mentioned Gaya and Anuradhapura — the ancient Sri Lankan city renowned for its early Sinhala civilisation and sacred Buddhist sites — as part of his religious explorations.

'I visited the site believed to be the samadhi (tomb) of Jesus Christ in Israel. I have gone to Anuradhapura. Does anyone know about this place? I go to study, but I am not a follower of any religion,' he said.

Clarifying an earlier reference to Mecca, Rayareddy said he had no intention of performing the Hajj pilgrimage — which is restricted to Muslims — but wished to visit Mecca as a student of religion. 'I did not say that I will go for Hajj. I can't go to Hajj. But I want to go to Mecca for studying,' he said.

On Caste, Religion, and a 'New Religion'

The minister went further, declaring that he does not identify with any religion or caste. 'I do not belong to any religion or caste. I have no religion and caste. We are of the human religion. Do not search for something else,' he said. He also invoked the 12th-century Kannada saint Basavanna's Vachana — 'Kallabeda, kolabeda, husiya nudiyalu beda' (Do not steal, do not kill and do not speak lies) — as a statement of his core values.

Notably, Rayareddy also floated the idea of synthesising a new religion from the best values of all faiths. 'I will establish a new religion by keeping the good characters of all religions. Why should I not establish a new religion?' he said — a remark that is likely to draw fresh scrutiny.

On criticism that he rarely visits temples and mutts, the minister said his comments had been misread. He clarified that he would not visit such places without purpose but would attend when invited. 'I go to temples when I am pressured by my wife and the media,' he added.

BJP's Counterattack

The opposition hit back sharply. BJP MLC C.T. Ravi said Rayareddy should be ashamed of his remarks. 'There is no terrorism in the name of Sanatana Dharma. Terrorist attacks are carried out across the world in the name of Islam. If he is saying that this religion is superior, then he must have no brains. Or perhaps he made the statement keeping the vote bank in mind,' Ravi said.

This is not the first time a Congress minister's remarks on religion have ignited political controversy in Karnataka, a state where identity politics has intensified ahead of upcoming electoral cycles. How the Congress leadership responds — or chooses not to — will be closely watched in the coming days.