Bengaluru Airport Row: Namaz Offered in Terminal 2 Public Area, BJP Raises Security Questions as Siddaramaiah Downplays Controversy
Bengaluru: A viral video showing a group of passengers offering namaz inside the public area of Terminal 2 at Kempegowda International Airport has triggered a massive political row in Karnataka. The 20-second clip, which surfaced on November 10, 2025, shows around 10–15 men in white and black attire performing prayers in an open zone near the entrance, as other travelers walk by.
What has intensified the debate is that a multi-faith prayer room already exists inside Terminal 2, yet the group chose to pray in the open concourse instead. The airport security guards, seen standing nearby, did not intervene, and BIAL (Bangalore International Airport Limited) has so far issued no official statement.
The video has since gone viral on social media, amassing millions of views and dividing public opinion. While some defended it as religious freedom, others questioned whether it violated public-space security norms.
ಇದನ್ನೂ ಓದಿ: Kempegowda Airport Namaz Row: ಟಿ2 ಟರ್ಮಿನಲ್ನಲ್ಲಿ ಓಪನ್ ಏರಿಯಾದಲ್ಲಿ ಗುಂಪು ನಮಾಝ್ — ಬಿಜೆಪಿ ಪ್ರಶ್ನೆ: ಭದ್ರತೆ ಎಲ್ಲಿ? ಸಿದ್ಧರಾಮಯ್ಯ ಹೇಳಿಕೆ: “ಅತಿರೇಕ ಬೇಡ”
The BJP has strongly condemned the act, calling it illegal and a potential security risk. Party spokesperson reposted the video, alleging “Muslim appeasement” by the Congress-led state government. “If the RSS needs permission for its marches, how was this allowed inside a high-security airport?” he asked.
On the other hand, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and IT Minister Priyank Kharge dismissed the controversy, saying, “This is not a big issue.” State Home Minister G. Parameshwara has, however, ordered an inquiry into the incident, emphasizing that airport protocols must be respected by all groups.
The video reportedly dates back to November 8 or 9, recorded by a passenger at the Terminal 2 entrance zone—an area monitored by CISF and local police. Investigators are now reviewing CCTV footage to verify whether the group had sought prior permission.
BJP leaders including state president B.Y. Vijayendra accused the government of double standards, saying, “The Congress restricts RSS events but stays silent on public prayers at a sensitive location.” Meanwhile, Congress leaders countered that the recent circular requiring prior approval for public gatherings applies to all organizations equally.
Political analysts say the incident has turned into a flashpoint in Karnataka’s secularism-versus-security debate, with religion and politics once again colliding in the public sphere.
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