New Delhi, August 31, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Karnataka Higher Education Minister Basavaraj Rayareddi’s remarks describing Islam as a “great religion” and expressing his desire to undertake the Hajj pilgrimage have triggered a political controversy, with the BJP accusing the Congress government of appeasement politics while Congress leaders defended the comments as a matter of personal belief.
The controversy followed Rayareddi’s address at a mass marriage programme organised by members of the Muslim community in Kuknoor in Koppal district on Sunday.
“I would like to say that Islam is shreshta dharam (great religion) than other dharmas,” Rayareddi said, while also claiming that several misconceptions existed about Islam.
BJP spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain said Rayareddi’s desire to undertake Hajj was a personal matter but pointed out that the pilgrimage is restricted to Muslims.
“Hajj can only be performed by someone who is a Muslim. For that, one will have to adopt Islam. If they want to go to Mecca and Medina and perform Hajj, they cannot do so without adopting Islam,” Hussain told IANS.
He added that the Constitution gives citizens the freedom to choose and practise their religion and said Congress leaders should respond to the minister’s remarks.
Karnataka Assembly Leader of Opposition Chalwadi Narayan Swami accused the Congress of indulging in appeasement politics and criticised Rayareddi’s comments.
“Basavaraj Rai Reddy’s statement is very wrong, and he has condemned Hindutva. As a Hindu, it is a sin to speak against Hindutva,” he said.
Congress leader Udit Raj, however, defended Rayareddi, saying freedom of expression and religious belief were constitutionally protected.
“It is their choice and personal opinion. Someone may consider Christianity great, someone Judaism, someone Islam, someone Hinduism, or someone Buddhism. That is their personal matter,” Raj said.
Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge also came out in Rayareddi’s defence, arguing that the minister had spoken about learning from different religions.
“Mr. Basavaraj has clearly stated that there is something to learn from every religion, including Islam. There are certain aspects of Islam, Buddhism, Jainism or Hinduism that anybody can adopt and should adopt. What is wrong with that? What is the issue?” Kharge said.
Kharge also questioned the BJP’s criticism by referring to recent remarks by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat regarding Muslims and their place in India. “Now, the BJP has grown bigger than the RSS,” he said.
Samajwadi Party spokesperson Ashutosh Verma said citizens had the constitutional right to follow their faith and added that anyone wishing to visit Mecca could do so subject to the applicable rules and regulations.
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