Bengaluru: The Karnataka BJP has raised strong objections to a video showing a group of Islamists offering Namaz (prayers) inside Terminal 2 of Kempegowda International Airport, questioning the security protocols in place at the airport and the lack of a clear response from the authorities. The incident, which has now gone viral on social media, has sparked outrage among various sections of the public, with critics questioning how such an act was allowed in a high-security zone.
According to the viral video, the namaz was reportedly offered by a group of Islamists who had come to the airport to see off Haj pilgrims. The sight of passengers and staff witnessing the namaz by Islamists has triggered widespread discussions, particularly as it took place in a restricted and high-security area of the airport.
BJP demands accountability from CM and IT Minister
In response to the incident, BJP spokesperson Vijay Prasad took to social media, posting a series of questions directed at Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and IT Minister Priyank Kharge, seeking clarification on how the event was allowed to take place. “How did these individuals get prior permission to offer Namaz inside such a high-security area like Kempegowda International Airport?” Prasad wrote, also questioning why the government remained silent when similar activities took place but objected to RSS processions that were conducted after obtaining proper permission.
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?Did these individuals obtain prior permission to offer Namaz in a high-security airport zone?
Why is it… pic.twitter.com/iwWK2rYWZa— Vijay Prasad (@vijayrpbjp) November 9, 2025
Prasad’s post was accompanied by an undated photo and video of the incident, showing people gathered inside the terminal, performing the prayers without any interruption or objection from the airport staff. The lack of any immediate intervention from airport security or management has raised further concerns regarding the standard operating procedures at one of the busiest airports in the country.
Outrage on social media and security concerns
The video has garnered widespread attention, with many social media users expressing anger over what they see as a violation of airport security norms. “A mass gathering inside a high-security zone like the airport raises serious concerns about the safety of passengers and staff,” said one user. “If prayers can take place without any disruption in such an area, it raises questions about the effectiveness of our security measures.”
Several critics have pointed out that the airport is a high-security zone, where strict checks and controls are maintained to ensure the safety of travelers, especially in the wake of rising threats of terrorism and other security concerns. How such an activity was allowed without proper oversight or response from airport authorities has become a key point of contention.
Others have pointed out the double standards of the government, as there have been previous instances where rallies and public gatherings organised by organisations like the RSS were met with government objections, even when they had followed the legal process of obtaining permissions. This has led many to ask why activities like mass prayers inside a public space, where large numbers of people could gather, were allowed to happen without any challenge.
Need for clear regulations on public gatherings
This incident also raises questions about the need for clearer regulations governing public gatherings and activities in spaces like airports, which serve as crucial hubs for travelers and are often considered potential targets for security threats. Many have pointed out that while religious activities are a part of the fabric of Indian society, the location and manner in which they are carried out are important, especially when it comes to public safety.
“There should be clear guidelines and regulations about where religious activities can be conducted, especially in areas like airports, where large crowds and high-security risks are a reality. The government and the airport authorities need to clarify what the process is for granting permission for such activities, if at all,” said one security expert.
Comments