Namaz Video at Bengaluru Airport Triggers Political Controversy in Karnataka
BJP slams Congress for appeasement in T2.
A viral video showing a group of men performing namaz on the polished floors of Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport Terminal 2 has unleashed a political storm, with the incident reportedly tied to a farewell gathering for Haj pilgrims departing for Saudi Arabia. The footage, captured by a bystander and widely circulated online, depicts the worshippers in rows, heads bowed in prayer, while uniformed staff and other travelers watch in silence—prompting immediate concerns about religious activities in a high-security aviation facility.
The video rapidly gained traction across social media, with users questioning how such a public religious assembly was allowed in a restricted zone where even minor gatherings are typically prohibited. Many pointed to Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) protocols that govern behavior in airports, arguing that the incident violated standard operating procedures. Despite repeated queries, Bengaluru International Airport Limited (BIAL), the consortium managing the airport, has not released an official statement, leaving room for speculation and escalating public discontent.
Karnataka BJP launched a scathing offensive against the Congress government, directly tagging Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and IT Minister Priyank Kharge in social media posts demanding accountability. Party spokesperson Vijay Prasad highlighted perceived hypocrisy, noting that RSS patha sanchalans—conducted with prior police permission—are often criticized or restricted, while this airport prayer went unchallenged. He labeled the episode a clear case of "appeasement politics" and warned of potential security loopholes in a critical national infrastructure site.
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The opposition further alleged systemic bias, claiming the ruling party selectively enforces regulations based on community lines. They called for an independent probe into whether permission was sought or granted, who authorized the gathering, and why no intervention occurred in real time. The BJP insisted that airport rules must apply uniformly to all groups, regardless of faith, to maintain credibility and public trust in governance.
Though BIAL operates as a public-private partnership and not under direct state control, the controversy has snowballed into a broader political narrative ahead of upcoming civic and state elections. With communal harmony and security protocols now under scrutiny, the T2 namaz incident has become a flashpoint in Karnataka’s charged political climate, exposing deep fault lines in public discourse over religion, authority, and equal treatment.
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