Karnataka Education Minister Defends Interfaith Learning After Islam Praise

Basavaraj Rai Reddy, Karnataka’s Higher Education Minister, reiterated his belief that every faith offers valuable teachings. Speaking at a collective marriage ceremony for the Muslim community in Kukanoor, he called Islam a "great religion" and urged citizens to explore its scriptures.

He highlighted the need to dispel misconceptions about Islam and advocated for the study of the Quran as a means to foster communal harmony. Rai Reddy also mentioned his aspiration to undertake the Hajj pilgrimage, noting that he has not yet had the opportunity.

Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje quickly responded, criticizing the remarks as an affront to the sentiments of Hindus and followers of Jagadguru Basavanna. She accused Congress of exploiting the issue to please Rahul Gandhi, labeling the episode as political opportunism.

Karnataka Home Minister Prashank Kharge later supported Rai Reddy, stating that acknowledging the positives in any religion, be it Islam, Buddhism, Jainism, or secularism, is a legitimate stance.