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New Delhi: A video allegedly showing a group of individuals offering Namaz inside the high-security Kempegowda International Airport's Terminal 2 (T2) in Bengaluru has ignited a fierce political controversy, drawing sharp criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) against the state's ruling Congress government.
The incident, reportedly occurring during a farewell for "Umrah" pilgrims, has triggered a heated debate on social media and among political circles regarding religious observances in restricted public zones.
The controversy gained momentum after BJP spokesperson Vijay Prasad shared the video on X (formerly Twitter), tagging Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and IT Minister Priyank Kharge. Prasad vehemently questioned the legality and security implications of the prayers. "Did these individuals obtain prior permission to offer Namaz in a high-security airport zone?" he demanded, drawing a parallel with the state's alleged objections to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) conducting 'Patha Sanchalana' (route marches) even after obtaining due permission.
"Why is it that the government objects when the RSS conducts Patha Sanchalana after obtaining due permission from the concerned authorities, but turns a blind eye to such activities in a restricted public area?" Prasad further alleged that such actions pose significant security concerns and demonstrate a "double standard" by the Congress government, accusing it of appeasement politics.
Reports suggest that the group offered mass prayers within the terminal while airport staff were reportedly present and observed silently. The video, which has circulated widely online, has prompted many users to question the permissibility of religious gatherings within airport premises. Bengaluru International Airport Limited (BIAL), the airport's operator, has not yet issued an official statement regarding the incident.
The Karnataka BJP has directly targeted the Congress-led state government, demanding an explanation from Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and IT Minister Priyank Kharge. The party questioned how such prayers were permitted inside T2, a restricted public area, and urged authorities to clarify whether prior permission was granted. The BJP contends that rules should be applied uniformly across all communities and accuses the state government of overlooking certain religious activities while imposing strict restrictions on others. The party's stance emphasises a perceived bias, fueling the ongoing political and social media debate.
