Gadag
Minister S.S. Mallikarjuna was extremely embarrassed to respond to Minister Basavaraja Rayareddy’s controversial statement that “Islam is the best”.
Speaking to reporters at Muktimandir in the taluk, he did not directly answer the journalists’ questions about Rayareddy’s statement and said ‘no comments’. “Rayareddy has already responded to his statement. He has made it clear that he wants all religions and that he will be with people of all religions,” Mallikarjuna defended himself.
All religions are the same: Responding to a media question about how right it is to demonize one religion, the minister said, “He has already said that he wants people of all religions. But as far as I am concerned, all religions and societies are the same.” He expressed his stance. That is his personal opinion: “When going on a Haj pilgrimage, people of other religions are not allowed in. Even so, Rayareddy is saying that he will go on a Haj pilgrimage, isn’t he?” To another question from the journalists, the minister shrugged and said, “That is his personal matter.” Also, “Even after talking so much, Rayareddy is still visiting monasteries and temples. Through this, he has given the message that all religions are needed,” the minister demonstrated political diplomacy.