Manas Dasgupta
NEW DELHI, Nov 10: The BJP Karnataka unit spokesperson Vijay Prasad has raised questions on the Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and rural development minister Priyank Kharge after a video purportedly showing a group of Muslims offering ‘namaz’ at Terminal 2 of the Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru went viral igniting a political controversy.
Taking strong exception to the video which also showed he security personnel standing nearby mutely observing the religious activity in the public place, the BJP demanded accountability from the Congress government in the state.
The prayers were reportedly offered by relatives of passengers who were leaving for Mecca. The airport already has a prayer room for passengers, but the group chose to pray in the open public area. This has led to strong reactions online, with many people questioning why airport staff and security did not stop the prayers in such a high‑security zone.
The incident also turned political. Leaders and supporters from different parties commented on whether the state or central government should be held responsible. Some users compared the act to worship done in government offices, asking why only Namaz is being criticized. Others warned that if similar acts were repeated by different communities, it could disrupt public order.
Mr Prasad asked Mr Siddaramaiah and Mr Kharge whether those who performed prayers in a public place had obtained any prior permission as mandated in the recent rule framed by the state government. “How is this even allowed inside the T2 Terminal of Bengaluru International Airport? Hon’ble Chief Minister @siddaramaiah and Minister @PriyankKharge do you approve of this?” Prasad asked in a post on ‘X’.
“Did these individuals obtain prior permission to offer Namaz in a high-security airport zone?” Referring to the rules, which the BJP alleged were framed to restrict RSS activities in the state, Prasad said, “Why is it that the government objects when the RSS conducts Patha Sanchalana (route march) after obtaining due permission from the concerned authorities, but turns a blind eye to such activities in a restricted public area?” The BJP spokesperson sought to know whether this does not pose a serious security concern in such a sensitive zone.
The video has also sparked an intense debate on the social media. Several users raised security concerns, saying that airports are sensitive places and rules must be followed strictly. Some asked whether permission was taken before the prayers were offered. Others accused authorities of showing double standards, pointing out that other groups are often restricted even when they seek approval for events.
A few voices called for balance and respect, suggesting that airports should provide private enclosed spaces for all faiths so that public areas remain clear. Another group of users urged people to stop spreading hatred, saying that such debates only divide society further. The incident has now become a flashpoint, raising questions about religious freedom, public space usage, and security in sensitive zones. While some see it as a matter of faith, others view it as a breach of rules.
A comparable controversy was also reported in Pune, where a group of women offered Namaz at a historic fort. Following this, BJP MP Girish Bapat allegedly “purified” the area with cow urine. The incident, which took place on Saturday, led to an Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) officer filing a complaint with Pune City Police. This case too has triggered debate about the use of public and heritage spaces for religious activities.
