Religious Controversy: Once again a big controversy has arisen regarding religion in Karnataka politics. A statement by Karnataka Higher Education Minister Basavaraj Rayareddy has given BJP an opportunity to be the attacker. In fact, on the occasion of the birthday of Prophet Mohammed, a mass marriage ceremony was organized in Kukanur located in Koppal district in which Minister Rayareddy described Islam as a great religion and described it as superior to other religions and scientific in nature. He said that Islam promotes humanity and teaches people to live away from religious fanaticism and casteism. Rayareddy also said that many misconceptions are being spread about Islam and he wants to study the Quran.
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According to him, the Quran is not only for Muslims but for the entire humanity. But the controversy did not end here. The minister further said that he rarely visits monasteries and temples. He also expressed his desire to perform Haj pilgrimage and said that for this one has to convert to Islam, hence he could not do so. Just on these statements, BJP has targeted the Congress government. Karnataka BJP President R. Ashok has demanded from Chief Minister DK Shivakumar that if Minister Rayareddy does not apologize to the Hindu community for his statement, he should be removed from the cabinet. BJP alleges that the minister's statement has insulted the faith of Sanatan Hindu religion and temples and monasteries.
R. Referring to the temple visits of Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, Ashok raised the question that if the Congress government respects Hindu religion, then why is it silent on the alleged objectionable statement of its own cabinet minister? However, Rayareddy has presented his statement as a broader religious viewpoint. He said that every religion has good principles and good traditions are followed in temples also.
He described usurping land or offerings from religious institutions as a major sin in any religion. That means in Karnataka, now the question has become not just about the statement of a minister, but about religion, politics and the responsibility of the government. BJP is currently adamant on apology and resignation. Now all eyes are on Chief Minister DK Shivkumar and the Congress leadership to see what stand they take on this controversy.