A video showing a group of people offering namaz inside Terminal 2 of Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport has triggered a major political dispute in Karnataka. The footage, which shows airport and security staff present nearby, has sparked questions about how such religious activity was permitted in what is considered a high-security zone.

The Karnataka BJP has strongly objected to the incident, alleging that the Congress government is applying double standards when it comes to public religious practices. Party spokesperson Vijay Prasad posted on X, “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 went on to raise questions over permission and security at the airport, writing, “Did these individuals obtain prior permission to offer Namaz in a high-security airport zone? 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? Does this not pose a serious security concern in such a sensitive zone?”

BJP Questions Karnataka CM

Speaking to the media, the BJP leader said the prayers inside the terminal show “the double standards of the Congress government” and questioned the silence of the police and airport security. “I want to ask the Chief Minister and IT Minister if they approve of the act. These individuals obtained prior approval to offer namaz in a high-security airport zone… Does this not pose a serious security concern? Why these double standards? Is this even acceptable?” he remarked.

While the opposition has demanded clarity from the state leadership, the Bengaluru International Airport Limited (BIAL), which operates the facility, has not yet issued any official comment regarding the viral video.

This controversy comes at a time when the Congress government is already facing criticism from the BJP and RSS supporters over its recent directive requiring organisations to seek prior permission for public events. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has denied that the order was aimed at the RSS. “We didn’t specifically mention the RSS anywhere in the order. Any organisation must obtain permission from district authorities to conduct an event. What can we do if they assume it is about the RSS?” he clarified earlier.

Bhagwat Justifies RSS Status

Meanwhile, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat recently defended the organisation’s legal status amid attacks from Congress leaders questioning its registration. “Sangh started in 1925. Do you expect us to register with the British government? After Independence, the laws did not make registration compulsory. A legal status is also given to the ‘body of individuals.’ We are categorised as a body of individuals and we are a recognised organisation,” Bhagwat said.

The Karnataka government has yet to issue an official response to the BJP’s allegations over the airport namaz. However, the incident has reignited debate over religious observances in public spaces and whether such acts should be permitted in high-security areas like airports.

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