Koppal (Karnataka), Aug 31 (PTI) With his statement that Islam is “greater” than other religions eliciting sharp reactions, Karnataka Higher Education Minister Basavaraj Rayareddi on Monday clarified that he did not speak ill of any religion, and said that all religions are great because “they preach good things”.
He said he has an idea of developing a religion of his own, which incorporates good things from all religions.
“If people speak without understanding the matter clearly, what can I do? I’m not opposed to any religion. I’m not an opponent of Hindu Dharma.
When I went to a Muslim community’s mass marriage event, I spoke about writings regarding mankind in the last chapter of the Quran and said it has been written very well,” Rayareddi said in response to a question on opposition leaders’ critical remarks on his statement yesterday.
Speaking to reporters after visiting a temple here, he asked, “Where have I said Hindu Dharma is bad? I have studied about all religions and have gone to the places of their origin for basic study.” Rayareddi on Sunday said Islam is “greater” than other religions, and also expressed his desire to visit Mecca, but claimed that he cannot do so as a non-Muslim.
His remarks drew sharp reactions from several BJP leaders. Leader of Opposition in the Assembly R Ashoka demanded that Rayareddi withdraw his statements and apologise to all Hindus in the state, and if he is not prepared to do so, CM D K Shivakumar must remove him from the Cabinet.
Ashoka said that by stating, in effect, that “Islam is greater than other religions,” the Minister portrayed Sanatana Dharma in an inferior light.
Stating that he never said he wanted to go on Hajj as reported in a section of the media, Rayareddi on Monday said, “Where have I said? Can I go there (Mecca)? What I have said is I want to visit Mecca, but being a non-Muslim I cannot go there; it requires religious conversion, but I cannot convert. This is what I have said.” He further said, “I’m not under any religion; I have my own religion.
Didn’t Prophet Mohammed start a religion? Didn’t Jesus Christ start a religion? Isn’t there Baha’i, Buddhism, Jainism? Then, why can’t I start a religion? I’m not less than anybody. I can start a religion on my own, but since I don’t have followers, I’m silent.” Noting that he has read about all religions, Rayareddi said that all religions are great as they have good things.
“I spoke about Upanishads and Vedas in my speech, but none of you wrote about it. Let those people criticising me come for a debate with me on Hindu Dharma,” he challenged, adding that he did not speak ill about any religion.
Responding to a question, the minister said he doesn’t go to maths and temples unnecessarily, and goes only when he has some work.
“I went to the temple today because people called me for a pooja before starting some public work. I don’t go to god for my selfish things or to pray for myself. I have my own principles and ideology,” he added.
Stating that he is open to criticism and that those demanding his resignation are free to do so, Rayareddi clarified that he was not opposed to any religion and is opposed to casteism. PTI KSU ADB
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