‘Islam is superior to all other religions’

Speaking at Kuknoor town in Koppal district, Rayareddy said, as quoted by India Today, "I would like to say that Islam is shreshta dharam (great religion) than other dharmas...."

He then said there were a lot of misconceptions about Islam before adding that he had tried to study the Quran, other religions and their history.

Describing Islam as "highly scientific" and the "most humane religion", Rayareddy said as quoted by India Today, "Read it, understand, and don't become bigots, don't become casteists... We should respect all religions, we should know good things in all religions as religions are for well being of mankind and we should try to do good."

He added, "Islam is a good religion. I'm speaking here very happily. I'm thinking very much about going to Mecca, but I can't go there as one should convert to Islam (to go there). It's a tradition in that religion."

The remarks drew a sharp response from the BJP, with Karnataka BJP chief R Ashoka demanding an explanation from Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and accusing Rayareddy of demeaning Hinduism.

Ashoka wrote on X, “CM @DKShivakumar, is there no end to this anti-Hindu mindset of your Congress government?

“You put on a show of visiting temples at dawn, performing devotion in front of the cameras, but why do you stay silent only when a minister in your own cabinet makes derogatory statements about Sanatan Hindu Dharma and temples, Mr. DKShi?”

Ashoka demanded that Rayareddy resign if he does not apologise for his remarks.

B Nagendra resigns amid Valmiki Corporation row

The political controversy comes days after Congress leader and Ballari Rural MLA B Nagendra resigned as Karnataka's Planning and Statistics Minister on August 28 amid mounting pressure over alleged financial irregularities involving the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation. His resignation was accepted by Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot on August 30.

The controversy centres on the alleged misappropriation of around Rs 89-90 crore from funds meant for the welfare of Scheduled Tribe communities. The case had previously led to Nagendra's resignation from the Karnataka cabinet in 2024.

Nagendra was re-inducted into the cabinet in early August 2026 after DK Shivakumar replaced Siddaramaiah as Karnataka Chief Minister. His return to the government subsequently brought the Valmiki Corporation case back into the political spotlight.

The BJP has stepped up its attack on the Congress government over both the alleged financial irregularities and the latest remarks by Rayareddy, putting fresh pressure on the Shivakumar-led administration.