Higher Education Minister Basavaraj Rayaraddi clarified remarks on Islam made in Kuknoor, Koppal district, on Monday in Yelburga, stating he does not disrespect any religion and treats all faiths equally.
He said his earlier comments highlighted positive values of Islam and were not intended to diminish other faiths. He emphasized he does not belong to any particular religion and that his remarks should be understood in context. He noted he has studied Islam, Christianity, Judaism and visited holy sites, including the tomb of Jesus Christ.
Regarding the Haj pilgrimage, Rayaraddi said there is nothing wrong with expressing a desire to visit the holy city, but he abandoned the plan because he understood that participation would require conversion to Islam. He reiterated that the Quran is not exclusive to Muslims and can be read by anyone.
The minister’s statements on Sunday, where he described Islam as superior and urged understanding of its principles, attracted criticism from opposition parties. He responded to media queries in Koppal on Monday, offering the above clarification.
