Bengaluru, Aug 31 (IANS) Union Minister of State for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and Labour & Employment Shobha Karandlaje on Monday launched a scathing attack on Karnataka Higher Education Minister Basavaraj Rayareddi over his remarks on Islam, accusing Congress leaders of making such statements merely to please Rahul Gandhi.
“Shame on you”, Karandlaje said in a post on X, while accusing Rayareddi of insulting the sentiments of the majority of people who elected him, including millions of followers of Hinduism and the teachings of Jagadguru Basavanna.
“Mr. Basavaraj Rayareddy, you are insulting the sentiments of the majority of people who elected you, including millions of followers of Hinduism and the teachings of Jagadguru Basavanna,” she said.
Karandlaje said that if Rayareddi genuinely admired Islam, he should have the courage to openly embrace and propagate the religion.
“If you truly admire Islam, no one is stopping you from embracing and propagating it openly. Have the courage to take a clear stand. Do not mislead people by being physically here while your convictions lie elsewhere,” she said.
The Union Minister also accused Congress leaders of stooping to such levels to please Rahul Gandhi, alleging that their remarks reflected political opportunism and a disconnect from the people.
“It is unfortunate to see Congress leaders stoop to such levels merely to please Rahul Gandhi. Such statements only expose their political opportunism and disconnect from the people,” she said.
Karandlaje’s remarks come amid a political row over Rayareddi’s recent comments praising Islam. Speaking at a free mass marriage ceremony organised for members of the Muslim community at Kukanur on the occasion of Prophet Muhammad’s birth anniversary, Rayareddi had said Islam was a great religion and that there was something to learn from every religion.
He also said that many misconceptions were being created about Islam and expressed his willingness to study the Quran. Rayareddi further said that people should study different religions and understand the history behind them.
The Higher Education Minister also expressed his desire to undertake the Hajj pilgrimage, saying he had not yet had the opportunity to do so.
Rayareddi stressed that good principles were present in all religions and said Islam strongly promoted humanity. He also cautioned against religious fanaticism and casteism.
His remarks triggered criticism from BJP leaders, with Karandlaje being among those who strongly opposed his comments.
Meanwhile, Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge defended Rayareddi, saying there was something to learn from every religion.
“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 had said.
The exchange has since escalated into a political controversy, with BJP leaders targeting Rayareddi and the Congress government over his remarks, while Congress leaders have sought to defend his position that people can learn from the teachings of different religions.
–IANS
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