Bengaluru: A video showing a group of people offering namaz inside Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport has set off a major controversy across Karnataka. The footage, shot at Terminal 2, went viral on social media over the weekend and quickly turned into a political flashpoint.
In the video, several individuals can be seen performing namaz in an open area of the terminal. The visuals also show airport staff and security personnel nearby, with no intervention during the prayers. The clip sparked a flurry of reactions online, with critics questioning how such an event was allowed inside a high-security zone.
BJP leader Vijay Prasad was among the first to react, tagging Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and IT Minister Priyank Kharge on X. “How was this allowed at the T-2 terminal? Did anyone seek permission? This is a high-security area,” he wrote, further alleging that the Congress government applies “double standards” restricting RSS marches but overlooking public religious gatherings. “This is a serious security issue,” he added.
Sources have indicated that those seen praying were relatives of passengers departing for Mecca. However, what has fueled the controversy is the fact that the airport already has a designated prayer room, raising questions about why the group chose to pray in a public space.
Eyewitnesses said some travelers and staff were taken aback as the prayers were offered openly in the terminal. Opposition leaders have accused the government of leniency, while others have demanded strict enforcement of airport regulations.
The Siddaramaiah-led government is reportedly reviewing the incident and considering issuing new guidelines that would ban all forms of religious or political activity inside airport premises. According to officials, a formal notification could be released soon to ensure that airports remain neutral public spaces.
The airport authorities have not yet issued an official statement regarding the incident or any disciplinary action.
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