By Naysa Shrivastava
A video showing a group of men offering namaz outside Gate 3 of Terminal 2 at Kempegowda
International Airport (Bengaluru) has sparked sharp criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party
(BJP), with the opposition party questioning the accountability and security protocols of the
Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL)-operated facility.
In the footage, the men are seen performing prayers just outside the terminal while a team from
the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) stands nearby.
BJP Karnataka spokesperson Vijay Prasad took to social-media platform X (formerly Twitter)
tagging Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Minister Priyank Kharge, asking: “How is this even
allowed inside the T2 Terminal of Bengaluru International Airport? … Did these individuals
obtain prior permission to offer Namaz in a high-security airport zone?”
Prasad went on to contrast the situation with the state government’s earlier objections to events
organised by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) after obtaining permission, accusing the
government of “double standards” and raising concerns about security in such a sensitive area.
While BIAL declined to comment on the incident, a source confirmed the video was shot near
Gate 3 of the T2 complex. An officer at the airport police station said the facility falls outside
their jurisdiction and no complaints have been filed so far.
With no formal response yet from the Karnataka government, the episode has reignited debate
over religious practices in public or restricted zones and the clarity of permissions and oversight
in high-security infrastructure.