Koppal, Aug. 31 -- Karnataka Minister Basvaraj Rayareddi on Monday defended his recent remarks praising Islam, saying there was nothing wrong with describing the religion as "great" and stressing that he did not intend to suggest that any other religion was inferior.

Rayareddi had earlier said, "Islam is the scientific and greatest religion in the world. I have a wish to go on Haj pilgrimage at least once."

Clarifying his remarks, Rayareddi said he had spoken about certain values and ideals in Islam that he admired and that his comments should not be interpreted as criticism of other faiths.

"What is wrong with saying that Islam is a great religion? I said that there are some great values and ideals in Islam. I did not say that any oth...