Bengaluru: A storm of controversy has erupted over a two-day Islam Conference scheduled to be held at Bengaluru’s Palace Grounds on September 5 and 6, with Hindu organisations accusing the organisers of flouting visa rules and threatening the country’s security.
The program, expected to draw large crowds, has come under the scanner after reports emerged that clerics from Mecca, Medina, and Yemen are scheduled to participate. Hindu activist Tejas Gowda lodged a formal complaint with Bengaluru Police Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh, urging authorities to deny permission for the event.
In his complaint, Gowda pointed out that Indian visa regulations explicitly prohibit foreigners on tourist, missionary, or conference visas from engaging in religious preaching or delivering religious discourses. “Delivering speeches on religion is strictly banned under the visa regime. Allowing such activities will not only amount to a blatant violation of the law but also pose a risk to national security and undermine India’s constitutional values,” the complaint stated.
Hindu organisations argue that the organisers are attempting to misuse the platform under the guise of a religious celebration. “The so-called Islam Conference is nothing but an attempt to bypass India’s visa laws and push an agenda. When our government clearly states that foreign religious leaders cannot preach here, why is special permission being considered? This amounts to appeasement politics,” one activist alleged.
Several right-wing groups are demanding immediate cancellation of the event. Social media campaigns have already amplified these objections, warning of unrest if the government permits what they term an “illegal religious gathering.”
Responding to the brewing controversy, Home Minister Dr G Parameshwar said the government has taken note of the concerns. “The Police Commissioner has already conveyed instructions to the organizers. Foreign religious leaders will not be allowed to participate in the program or deliver speeches. Any attempt to violate visa rules will invite strict action,” he assured.
Parameshwar added that the state government has increased surveillance and deployed additional intelligence teams to closely monitor the proceedings. “The Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar will themselves attend the program. We have ten times the responsibility, not just because of opposition’s criticism but also because we cannot allow law to be broken under any circumstances,” the minister said.
Housing Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan, who is also associated with the organisation of the conference, dismissed the allegations. Speaking to the media, he explained, “Every year we celebrate Milad-un-Nabi. Earlier, three different groups used to organize it separately. This time, all have come together to celebrate on one platform. Foreign religious leaders may be visiting India on tourist visas, but they will not address the gathering. Rumors on social media are misleading.”
He maintained that clerics from abroad were merely visiting India and would not be participating in religious discourse. “We are fully aware of visa conditions. There is no scope for violation,” Khan said.
Political angle and appeasement charge
Despite reassurances, opposition leaders and Hindu groups remain unconvinced. BJP leaders accuse the Congress government of turning a blind eye to violations in order to please minority vote banks. “If the rules are clear, why is the government allowing this confusion to persist? Why take the risk of hosting foreign preachers under tourist visas? Is law different for certain groups?” asked a BJP leader, warning of larger protests if action was not taken.
Political observers note that the controversy comes at a sensitive time for the Siddaramaiah government, which is already battling criticism over debt, welfare schemes, and law-and-order concerns. Any sign of minority appeasement could further intensify discontent among the majority community, analysts suggest.
Legal experts underline that India’s visa framework has clear stipulations. Foreign nationals on tourist or short-term visas cannot engage in preaching, public religious discourse, or missionary activity. Such acts are considered violations and can attract deportation and blacklisting. “If the reports of foreign clerics’ involvement are true, this would be a violation of law and grounds for immediate cancellation of their visas,” one immigration lawyer stated.
