The Karnataka BJP has demanded an apology or resignation from Higher Education Minister Basavaraj Rayareddy after he described Islam as “superior to all other religions” during a public event in Koppal district. The opposition party accused the minister of insulting Hinduism and questioned Chief Minister DK Shivakumar over his response to the remarks.

The controversy comes just two days after Karnataka minister B Nagendra resigned amid corruption allegations. The BJP has now turned its focus to Rayareddy and urged the Chief Minister to either ask him to apologise to the Hindu community or remove him from the Cabinet.

Rayareddy made the remarks while speaking in Kuknoor town in Koppal district. He described Islam as a great and highly humanitarian religion. He said the religion is based on science and teaches people how to live.

However, his comments about Islam being superior to other religions triggered a strong reaction from the BJP. Rayareddy said, “Those who know nothing about Islam make incorrect assumptions and form wrong opinions about it. I would like to say that Islam is superior to all other religions because it begins with humanity,” the minister said.

Rayareddy also spoke about his approach to studying religions and history. He said he had not studied Abrahamic religions extensively and did not frequently visit temples or mutts. He added that he studies different religions and histories, which shapes his understanding of Abrahamic religions.

"Look, regarding the Quran, I haven't done extensive study on Abrahamic religions, and while I don't frequently visit temples or mathas (monasteries), I do study religions and different histories. That is why I look at Abrahamic religions," he added.

Karnataka BJP chief R Ashoka quickly responded to the minister's comments and sought an explanation from Chief Minister DK Shivakumar. Ashoka accused Rayareddy of making remarks that demeaned Hinduism. He also questioned Shivakumar’s frequent temple visits and his inaction against a minister who, according to the BJP leader, made derogatory remarks about Sanatan Hindu Dharma and temples.

"DK Shivakumar, is there no end to this anti-Hindu mindset of your Congress government? You put on a show of visiting temples at dawn, performing devotion in front of the cameras, but why do you stay silent only when a minister in your own cabinet makes derogatory statements about Sanatan Hindu Dharma and temples?" he wrote on X.

Ashoka demanded Rayareddy's resignation if he refuses to apologise. He also called on the minister to withdraw his remarks and seek forgiveness from Hindus across the state.

"Listen closely to the arrogant statements of Higher Education Minister Basavaraj Rayareddy. By saying 'I don't go to mutts or temples,' he has belittled the faith centres of millions of Hindus in the state. By making statements like 'Islam is superior to other religions,' he has demeaned Sanatan Dharma," said the BJP leader.

Ashoka further challenged Shivakumar to prove his commitment to Hinduism by taking action against Rayareddy.  "Our demand is clear: First, Basavaraj Rayareddy must withdraw his statements and seek forgiveness from all Hindus in the state. If he is not prepared to do so, Shivakumar must demonstrate his commitment to remove him from the cabinet. Otherwise, one thing becomes clear to millions of Hindus in Kannada land: Your temple visits are not for devotion; your words are not out of respect for Hindu Dharma; Everything is solely for votes, for show," he added.

BJP spokesperson Ashok Gowda also criticised Rayareddy over his comments. He accused the minister and the Congress government of trying to appease their voter base. Gowda also advised people to study religious texts before forming opinions about different religions.

"Basavaraj Rayareddy seems to be stuck in the 7th century to appease his voters...I request everybody to read the texts of different religions, and then you can make conclusions. You are not an expert; please remember that," he said.

The BJP's demand comes shortly after B Nagendra resigned for the second time in two years following pressure from the opposition over corruption allegations. Nagendra's resignation has added to the political pressure on the Congress government in Karnataka.

Rayareddy has held an important role within the Congress leadership. He previously served as the financial adviser to former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. He joined DK Shivakumar's Cabinet during its expansion earlier this month and took charge as the Higher Education Minister.

The latest controversy has given the BJP another opportunity to target the Karnataka government over religious issues. The opposition is now seeking action against Rayareddy and has made an apology to the Hindu community or his resignation the central demand.