BENGALURU: Karnataka higher education minister Basavaraj Rayareddi on Sunday said Islam is “greater” than other religions, news agency PTI reported.He expressed his desire to visit Mecca, but said he cannot do so as a non-Muslim.The minister made the remarks while speaking at a mass marriage programme for the Muslim community in Kuknoor in Koppal district.According to PTI, Rayareddi said, “I would like to say that Islam is shreshta dharam (great religion) than other dharmas….”He said there are misconceptions about the religion and added that he had tried to study the Quran, other religions and their history.Later, describing Islam as highly disciplined, highly scientific and the most humane religion, he said, “Read it, understand, and don’t become bigots, don’t become casteists. There are good and bad people in all religions, but bad things are always highlighted… 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.”“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,” he said.“Islam is a good religion, there are good teachings in it, you should follow it, instead of just going to Masjid…,” he added.His remarks drew a sharp reaction from BJP leader R Ashoka, who said that by stating, in effect, that “Islam is greater than other religions,” Rayareddi had portrayed Sanatana Dharma in an inferior light.Ashoka, the leader of the opposition in the Assembly, demanded that Rayareddi withdraw his statements and apologise to all Hindus in the state.He also said that if Rayareddi refused, chief minister DK Shivakumar should demonstrate his commitment by removing him from the Cabinet.“CM Shivakumar, is there no end to the anti-Hindu mindset of your Congress government? You go around visiting temples and putting on a display of devotion before cameras, but why do you remain silent when ministers in your own Cabinet make derogatory statements about Sanatana Hindu Dharma and temples,” he asked.Ashoka further said, “… by stating, in effect, that Islam is greater than other religions, he has portrayed Sanatana Dharma in an inferior light.”Questioning whether this was the Congress party’s idea of “equal respect for all religions”, Ashoka asked, “Is this your vision of a garden of peace for all communities? Or are all your theatrics and pretence merely another mask worn to secure Hindu votes?He said that if Rayareddi did not apologise or was not removed from the ministry, crores of Hindus in Karnataka would be left with one conclusion: “Your (CM) temple visits are not out of devotion. Your words are not out of respect for Hindu Dharma. Everything is merely for votes and for show.”He further accused the Congress of being “Anti-Hindu”.(With inputs from PTI)