“Why Shouldn’t I Start a New Religion?”: Minister Basavaraj Rayareddy Clarifies Islam Remarks

Political Bureau, Bangalore Mail
Koppal / Bengaluru

Karnataka Higher Education Minister Basavaraj Rayareddy has sparked fresh political debate after seeking to clarify his controversial statements regarding Islam. Speaking to reporters on Monday in Koppal district, the senior Congress leader insisted that his views had been misinterpreted, while challenging his political critics to an open debate on the origins and essence of Hinduism.

The clarification came during the minister’s visit to the Anjaneya temple in Yelburga and the Maddaneshwara Mutt in Bodur village, where he offered special prayers and sought blessings from the resident seer. The religious visits were widely seen as an attempt to diffuse opposition backlash over his alleged comments claiming Islam’s superiority over other faiths.

“I Have Respect for All Religions”

Rejecting claims that he demeaned any faith, Rayareddy stressed his personal study of religious scriptures and stated that he holds equal respect for all beliefs.

“I have not said that any religion is bad. I have studied the essence of all religions, and I have respect for all religions,” Rayareddy clarified. “Let those who follow Hinduism debate with me. Let them tell me who founded Hinduism.”

Addressing rumors regarding his interest in undertaking the Haj pilgrimage, the minister stated he had expressed a desire to visit Mecca out of personal interest, but decided against it after learning that non-Muslims are prohibited from entering the holy city without conversion.

“I will not convert to Islam, nor will I convert to Christianity. I follow the good principles of all religions,” he affirmed.

Proposal for a Unified Faith

In a statement that has added a new layer to the ongoing political controversy, Rayareddy suggested combining the best values across world religions into a single faith.

“Why should I not establish a religion myself? Why not establish a good religion by bringing together everything good?” he asked.

Reaffirming his personal adherence to the teachings of the 12th-century Sharanas, Rayareddy emphasized that spirituality remains an individual choice governed by purity of thought rather than rigid ritualism.