BJP MP Kageri Demands Apology from Minister Rayareddi Over Religious Remarks

Uttara Kannada BJP MP Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri on Monday launched an attack on the ruling Congress government over remarks made by Higher Education Minister Basavaraj Rayareddi regarding religion.

In a press release issued from Sirsi on Monday, Kageri stated that Rayareddi's communal appeasement demeaned Sanatana Dharma and described his comments demeaning Hindu faith centres as unpardonable. Kageri demanded that the minister tender an apology to Hindus and warned that the BJP would launch a statewide agitation if the state government fails to take strict action against him. Kageri added that the people of the state would teach Rayareddi and the Congress a lesson.

The controversy began on Sunday during an event at Kukanur in Koppal district, where Rayareddi described Islam as the world's best religion and expressed a desire to perform the Hajj pilgrimage. The minister, who is a Reddy Lingayat, also stated during the event that he does not visit temples or mutts.

Following the criticism, Rayareddi addressed a press meet in Koppal on Monday to clarify his statements. The minister stated that he had only spoken about the positive qualities in Islam and asserted that he never claimed other religions were inferior.

Rayareddi clarified that he does not follow any particular religion or caste, adding that he has studied Abrahamic religions, including Christianity, Islam, and Judaism.