A video showing a group of people offering Namaz (Islamic prayers) inside Terminal 2 of Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport has sparked a major political controversy in Karnataka. The BJP has accused the Congress-led state government of double standards and questioned how such prayers were allowed in a high-security zone without prior permission.
The video, which quickly went viral on social media, shows several individuals offering prayers while security personnel stand nearby, appearing to monitor the situation.
Reacting sharply, BJP spokesperson Vijay Prasad took to X (formerly Twitter) late on Saturday night, tagging Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and IT Minister Priyank Kharge. He questioned whether those performing Namaz had sought prior permission, as required by a recent government rule regulating religious activities in public places.
“How is this even allowed inside the T2 terminal of Bengaluru International Airport?” Prasad asked in his post. “Hon’ble Chief Minister @siddaramaiah and Minister @PriyankKharge, do you approve of this? Did these individuals obtain prior permission to offer Namaz in a high-security airport zone?”
BJP Accuses Govt of Double Standards
The BJP spokesperson further alleged that the state government has been selectively enforcing its rules. He pointed out that the government recently objected to RSS route marches (Patha Sanchalan) even when organizers had taken official permission, but it has “turned a blind eye” to people offering prayers inside a restricted public area like an airport.
“Why is it that the government objects when the RSS conducts Patha Sanchalana after obtaining due permission from the concerned authorities, but ignores such religious activities in a sensitive and high-security zone?” Prasad said.
He also raised security concerns, questioning how such gatherings were permitted in a place with tight surveillance and movement restrictions.
Authorities Yet to Respond
As of now, airport authorities and the state government have not issued an official statement on the incident. It remains unclear whether any permission was granted or whether action will be taken.
The viral video has added fuel to ongoing political tensions in Karnataka, where religious processions and public prayers have increasingly become flashpoints between the ruling Congress and the opposition BJP.
