Karnataka minister’s remarks praising Islam trigger BJP demand for resignation

Remarks by Karnataka minister Basavaraj Rayareddy describing Islam as a superior religion based on humanity have triggered criticism from India's opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has demanded that he withdraw his comments and resign.

BENGALURU:

BENGALURU: Remarks by Karnataka minister Basavaraj Rayareddy describing Islam as a superior religion based on humanity have triggered criticism from India’s opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has demanded that he withdraw his comments and resign.

Addressing a local ceremony, Rayareddy said Islam was based on science and provided people with a pattern for living, according to Indian media reports.

He said people who had not studied Islam often held misconceptions about the religion.

“Islam is superior because it is based on humanity,” he said.

Rayareddy said he had studied the Abrahamic religions in depth and had also read about different religions and their histories in an effort to understand them.

BJP demands apology

Karnataka BJP president R Ashoke criticised the minister’s remarks, saying they were disrespectful to Hinduism.

Ashoke demanded an explanation from Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar over the statement.

He said Rayareddy’s remarks were also against Hindu temples and religious centres.

Ashoke called on the minister to withdraw his comments and apologise to the Hindu community.

“If he does not do so, he should resign from the cabinet,” Ashoke said.

During visits to temples, Shivakumar was also questioned over the issue, with BJP leaders asking why the chief minister remained silent when a minister made remarks about Hinduism.

Ashoke alleged that the Congress government was making such statements to gain votes.

BJP criticism of Congress

BJP representative Ashoke Gowda also criticised the Congress government and said leaders should study all religions thoroughly before making statements about them.

Rayareddy joined Shivakumar’s cabinet at the beginning of this month.

Before becoming a minister, he served as financial adviser to former Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah.

Addressing a local ceremony, Rayareddy said Islam was based on science and provided people with a pattern for living, according to Indian media reports.

He said people who had not studied Islam often held misconceptions about the religion.

“Islam is superior because it is based on humanity,” he said.

Rayareddy said he had studied the Abrahamic religions in depth and had also read about different religions and their histories in an effort to understand them.

BJP demands apology

Karnataka BJP president R Ashoke criticised the minister’s remarks, saying they were disrespectful to Hinduism.

Ashoke demanded an explanation from Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar over the statement.

He said Rayareddy’s remarks were also against Hindu temples and religious centres.

Ashoke called on the minister to withdraw his comments and apologise to the Hindu community.

“If he does not do so, he should resign from the cabinet,” Ashoke said.

During visits to temples, Shivakumar was also questioned over the issue, with BJP leaders asking why the chief minister remained silent when a minister made remarks about Hinduism.

Ashoke alleged that the Congress government was making such statements to gain votes.

BJP criticism of Congress

BJP representative Ashoke Gowda also criticised the Congress government and said leaders should study all religions thoroughly before making statements about them.

Rayareddy joined Shivakumar’s cabinet at the beginning of this month.

Before becoming a minister, he served as financial adviser to former Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah.