Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge on Monday moved to defuse a political storm triggered by Higher Education Minister Basavaraj Rayareddi's remarks praising Islam, questioning critics and arguing that every religion has something to offer. The controversy has sharpened the BJP-Congress divide in Karnataka, drawing in the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief's recent statements on Muslims as a counter-argument.

What Kharge Said

Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Kharge defended his cabinet colleague by reframing the remark. '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?' he said.

Kharge also vouched for Rayareddi's personal conduct, noting that the minister does not regularly visit places of worship. 'He doesn't go to mosques, churches, nor temples. I know him,' Kharge said.

The RSS Angle Kharge Invoked

In a pointed counter-attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Kharge cited recent remarks by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Muslims and Islam. 'When the RSS chief is saying you cannot leave Islam or Muslims out of India, who are these minions who are telling that no, what Rayareddy is saying is false?' he said.

Kharge accused the BJP of being ideologically adrift following Bhagwat's statement. 'Now BJP has grown bigger than RSS,' he said, adding: 'They are the ones who said you should continue peace talks with Pakistan. BJP people are confused now after Mohan Bhagwat's statement.'

What Rayareddi Originally Said

The controversy erupted after Rayareddi addressed a free mass marriage ceremony organised for members of the Muslim community at Kukanur, held on the occasion of Prophet Muhammad's birth anniversary. Speaking at the event, he praised Islam and urged people to study different religions and understand their histories.

'Islam is a great religion,' Rayareddi said, adding that many misconceptions were being created about it. He expressed a desire to read the Quran and said he wished to undertake the Hajj pilgrimage but had not yet had the opportunity. He described Islam as 'scientific in nature' and said it teaches how human beings should live.

Rayareddi also cautioned against religious fanaticism and casteism, stressing that good principles exist across all faiths. 'Islam is a religion that strongly promotes humanity,' he said, while noting that merely reciting prayers or performing rituals — in any religion — was insufficient.

BJP's Response and the Political Fallout

BJP leaders moved quickly to criticise both Rayareddi's remarks and the Congress government, questioning the appropriateness of a state minister singling out one religion for praise at a community event. The remarks have reignited debates over the Congress government's approach to minority outreach in Karnataka, a state where the party swept to power in 2023 on a platform that included social welfare and pluralism.

This is not the first time a Congress minister's remarks at a community event have drawn political fire in the state. The BJP's pushback, however, has been complicated by Bhagwat's own recent statements — a contradiction Kharge was quick to exploit. How the ruling Congress manages this episode will be closely watched ahead of upcoming local body elections in Karnataka.