Bengaluru, Aug 31 (SocialNews.XYZ) Responding to the controversy over Karnataka Higher Education Minister Basavaraj Rayareddi’s remark that “Islam is superior”, state Home Minister Priyank Kharge on Monday sought to play down the row, questioning what was wrong with the statement and saying that there is something to learn from every religion.
Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Kharge said, “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?” Kharge said.
He said Rayareddi had been clear in his remarks that every religion, including Islam, Buddhism and Hinduism, had something to offer.
“Why are BJP leaders attacking their own Bhagwat ji? They don’t listen to Mohan Bhagwat ji also nowadays,” Kharge said, referring to Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat.
Kharge said Rayareddi did not regularly visit places of worship and maintained that he knew the minister personally. “And he doesn’t go to mosques, churches, nor temples. I know him,” he said.
Taking a swipe at the BJP, Kharge said, “Now BJP has grown bigger than RSS".
Referring to Bhagwat’s recent remarks on Muslims and Islam, Kharge said, “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 also accused the BJP of being confused following Bhagwat’s statement.
“They are the ones who said you should continue peace talks with Pakistan. BJP people are confused now after Mohan Bhagwat’s statement,” Kharge said.
The controversy erupted after Rayareddi, while speaking at a free mass marriage ceremony organised for members of the Muslim community on the occasion of Prophet Muhammad’s birth anniversary at Kukanur, praised Islam and said that people should study different religions and understand their history.
“Islam is a great religion,” Rayareddi said, adding that many misconceptions were being created about Islam. He said he was ready 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 also 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 teaches people how human beings should live.
He further said people should not become religious fanatics or casteists and stressed that good principles were present in all religions.
“Islam is a religion that strongly promotes humanity,” he said, while adding that merely visiting a mosque and saying “Allahu Akbar” was not enough, just as merely following rituals in temples was insufficient.
His remarks triggered a political controversy, with BJP leaders questioning his statement and criticising the Congress government over the comments.
Source: IANS
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