BJP questions Karnataka govt over viral airport namaz video, cites security concerns
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Bengaluru: A video of a group of Muslims offering namaz inside Terminal 2 of Kempegowda International Airport has triggered a political row, with the opposition BJP seeking an explanation from the Karnataka government over what it alleges is a security protocol violation in a high-security area.
The footage, which went viral on Saturday, shows security personnel nearby observing the prayers. BJP Karnataka spokesperson Vijay Prasad raised concerns over whether prior permission had been obtained for the public prayer, as required under recent state regulations.
“How is this even allowed inside the T2 Terminal of Bengaluru International Airport?” Prasad asked in a post on X, tagging Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Minister Priyank Kharge. “Did these individuals obtain prior permission to offer Namaz in a high-security airport zone?”
Prasad further questioned the government’s consistency in enforcing public assembly rules. Referring to restrictions placed on RSS events, he 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 state government has yet to issue an official response to the controversy.