Karnataka Higher Education Minister Basavaraj Rayareddi has triggered a political storm after he declared Islam as a ‘superior’ religion compared to other religions.
His remarks made at a Koppal district event have drawn sharp criticism from the BJP, which has said that Chief Minister DK Shivakumar should ask for an apology from the minister or remove him from the Cabinet.
Rayareddi delivered his speech at a mass wedding programme organised by members of the Muslim community in Kuknoor.
During his speech, the minister talked about his interest in studying different religions and their histories. Misinformation about Islam was spreading and Islam was superior to other religions, he said.
The statement soon became a political flashpoint in Karnataka. BJP leaders accused the minister of making comments that could hurt religious sentiments and claimed the Congress government was playing appeasement politics.
Karnataka BJP chief and Leader of Opposition R Ashoka called on Rayareddi to withdraw his statement and make an unconditional apology.
Ashoka also said that if the minister refused to apologise, Chief Minister DK Shivakumar should remove him from the Cabinet.
BJP MLC CT Ravi also criticized the remarks, questioning how the minister could describe one religion as superior while seeking votes from people belonging to different faiths. The BJP is demanding answers from the Congress leadership about the minister’s comments.
Rayareddi defended his remarks, and in his explanation he said he was talking about “superior thoughts” in Islam and never said other religions were inferior.
He also said he respects different religions and doesn’t intend to convert to Islam or any other of them.
🚨 Karnataka's Minister Basavaraj Rayareddy :
— Political Views (@PoliticalViewsO) August 31, 2026
"Islam is better than all other religions. I wish to do Hajj but sadly I'm not Muslim."
Congress leaders seem determined to outdo themselves when it comes to minority appeasement🤯pic.twitter.com/rvRqZ8hkx4
The controversy has again put religion and political speech in the spotlight in Karnataka.
Statements of elected officials on faith are often very politically sensitive because religious and identity-related issues play out in public debate in a state where the media and politics are so much a part.
For now, the BJP is asking the Congress government to take action against Rayareddi and the minister says his comments have been misunderstood.
The dispute will continue to be a political issue and both sides will continue to press the case.
The episode also shows a growing political debate on how public representatives must address religious issues.
Rayareddi says his comments were to shine a light on what he thinks is good about Islam but the BJP says it’s inappropriate for a public official to compare religions and it would be offensive to other faiths.
