A political controversy erupted in Karnataka after a video showing a group of men offering namaz inside Terminal 2 of Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport went viral on Sunday. The Karnataka BJP sharply criticised the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government, calling the incident a “serious security concern” and accusing the ruling party of double standards in its stance toward religious and organisational activities in public spaces.

BJP Questions Airport Security, Government’s Position

BJP spokesperson Vijay Prasad posted the video on X, raising concerns about how such a gathering was allowed inside a high-security zone. “How is this even allowed inside the T2 Terminal of Bengaluru International Airport? Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Minister Priyank Kharge, do you approve of this?” he wrote.

Prasad alleged that the Congress government overlooks such incidents while objecting to programmes conducted by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). He asked whether the individuals offering namaz had obtained prior permission and whether the gathering complied with airport security protocols. According to him, such activities in a restricted area could pose “a serious concern in such a sensitive zone.”

Political Backdrop: RSS, Permissions, and Accusations of Hypocrisy

The row comes on the heels of Minister Priyank Kharge’s recent remarks questioning the RSS’s “secrecy” and its functioning as an unregistered organisation. Kharge had argued that the RSS should formally register and seek government permission to carry out its activities. He also questioned the provision of high-level security cover to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat.

“Why are they so scared of Indian laws and the Constitution? Why are they so secretive?” Kharge had said, adding that an unregistered organisation’s ability to conduct large-scale marches raised questions about transparency and regulatory oversight.

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat later responded, stating that “many things are not registered,” drawing a comparison to Hindu dharma, which also does not have formal registration.

Airport Video Adds Fuel to Debate

The video shared by the BJP spokesperson showed several men standing in formation and offering namaz inside the terminal, with security personnel visible nearby. While the airport authorities have not yet issued an official statement, the footage has prompted discussions on security norms and whether religious congregations of any form require explicit permission in controlled areas such as airports.

The BJP argues that the Congress government applies one set of standards to RSS events and another to other groups. The party contends that even when RSS conducts activities with prior approval, the government objects, while allegedly ignoring other gatherings that occur without permission.

Larger Political Implications

The incident has added to the ongoing political friction between the two parties in Karnataka, with each side using issues of religious conduct, organisational transparency, and public security to advance its narrative. The debate also intersects with broader national conversations about public space regulation, religious practices, and political messaging around identity and security.

As the video circulates widely, pressure is mounting on the Bengaluru airport authorities and the state government to clarify whether any protocols were violated and whether further action will be taken. More details are expected as officials review security procedures and assemble a formal response.