Bengaluru/IBNS, Aug. 31 -- A fresh political faceoff between the Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) erupted in Karnataka after state Higher Education Minister Basavaraj Rayareddy triggered a controversy by calling Islam superior to all other religions, media reports said.

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 ...