Karnataka Cabinet in Turmoil: BJP Demands Resignation of Minister Over ‘Superior Religion’ Remarks

BENGALURU: Political tensions in Karnataka have reached a boiling point after Higher Education Minister Basavaraj Rayareddy sparked a massive controversy by declaring Islam to be “superior to other religions.” The comments, which have ignited a firestorm across the state, prompted the opposition BJP to demand an immediate apology or the minister’s resignation.

Speaking at an event in Kuknoor, Koppal district, Rayareddy praised Islam as a “highly humanitarian” faith rooted in scientific principles. However, his rhetoric shifted when he explicitly stated, “Islam is superior to all other religions because it begins with humanity.” He further remarked that while he does not frequently visit temples or mathas (monasteries), he has spent time studying various faiths, including Abrahamic religions, to form his perspective.

BJP Launches Aggressive Counter-Offensive

The BJP has seized upon these remarks, accusing the Congress government of fostering an “anti-Hindu” mindset. Karnataka BJP Chief R. Ashoka led the charge, questioning the sincerity of Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar’s public displays of devotion.

“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?” Ashoka wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

The opposition leader further labeled the minister’s admission that he avoids temples as an affront to millions of Hindus. The BJP’s demand is two-fold: Rayareddy must withdraw his statements and issue a formal apology, or face expulsion from the cabinet. Failure to do so, according to the BJP, would prove that the Congress party’s religious engagement is merely a “political performance” aimed at appeasing specific vote banks.

A Government Under Pressure

This latest controversy comes at a precarious time for the state government. Just two days prior, the cabinet faced a major setback when Minister B. Nagendra resigned for the second time in two years amid mounting pressure regarding corruption allegations.

BJP spokesperson Ashok Gowda slammed the Minister for his remarks, suggesting he was out of touch with modern realities. “Basavaraj Rayareddy seems to be stuck in the 7th century to appease his voters… You are not an expert; please remember that,” Gowda stated.

Rayareddy, who previously served as a financial adviser to former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, was inducted into the cabinet during a recent expansion. As the state’s political landscape becomes increasingly polarized, the government faces the difficult task of managing internal dissent while fending off an aggressive opposition demanding accountability for the inflammatory remarks made by its high-ranking official.