Bengaluru, August 31, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge on Monday defended Higher Education Minister Basavaraj Rayareddi amid a political row over his remarks praising Islam, saying there was nothing wrong with acknowledging that every religion has values worth learning from.
Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Kharge said Rayareddi had clearly stated that people could learn from Islam as well as Buddhism, Jainism, Hinduism and even atheism.
“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 said Rayareddi’s comments should be viewed in the context of his broader message that every religion has something to offer.
He also targeted the BJP by referring to recent remarks by Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Muslims and Islam.
“Why are BJP leaders attacking their own Bhagwat ji? They don’t listen to Mohan Bhagwat ji also nowadays,” Kharge said.
Defending Rayareddi further, Kharge said the minister did not regularly visit places of worship, including mosques, churches or temples, and claimed he knew him personally.
“And he doesn’t go to mosques, churches, nor temples. I know him,” he said.
Kharge also alleged that the BJP had grown beyond the RSS, saying, “Now BJP has grown bigger than RSS.”
Referring to Bhagwat’s recent comments that Muslims and Islam could not be excluded from India, Kharge questioned those criticising Rayareddi.
“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 further accused the BJP of being confused following Bhagwat’s statement and referred to the party’s earlier position on continuing peace talks with Pakistan.
The controversy began after Rayareddi spoke at a mass marriage ceremony for members of the Muslim community at Kukanur on the occasion of Prophet Muhammad’s birth anniversary.
Rayareddi described Islam as a “great religion” and said people should study different faiths and understand their history. He also said he wanted to study the Quran and expressed his desire to undertake the Hajj pilgrimage.
“We should study religions and understand the history behind them. I have a desire to go on Hajj pilgrimage, but I have not had the opportunity,” he said.
Rayareddi said the Quran was meant for the entire universe and could be read by anyone. He described Islam as scientific in nature and said it offered guidance on how human beings should live.
He also cautioned against religious fanaticism and casteism, stressing that all religions contained good principles. His comments, however, triggered criticism from BJP leaders, who questioned the minister’s remarks and targeted the Congress government.
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