A new controversy has swept over the news headlines after a purported video made rounds on the internet demonstrating a group of people offering namaz inside Kempegowda International Airport’s Terminal 2 (T2) in Bengaluru, prompting political and social media debates. A group of people offered namaz in congregation as the Haj pilgrim bid farewell at the airport in the presence of security staff, prompting questions on how the gatherings were permitted within the premises. However, the airport administration is yet to issue an official statement on the act.
Political Uproar
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?” BJP Spokesperson Vijay Prasad said on social media platform X
“Did these individuals obtain prior permission to offer namaz in a high-security airport zone?” he added.
“Why is it that the government objects when the RSS conducts Patha Sanchalana after obtaining due permission from the concerned authorities but turns a blind eye to such activities in a restricted public area?” Prasad said.
Does this not pose a serious security concern in such a sensitive zone? He added.
Social Media Slams
Alongside the political uproar, social media also slammed the act.“Bengaluru Airport already has faith rooms. So why use public spaces for prayers? By IT BT minister Priyank Kharge’s own logic, how is this allowed without permission?” a user said
“Namaz is allowed inside T2 of Bengaluru Airport. They will soon ask authorities to build on the mosque and also the airport.” another user posted.
“Welcome to Congress’ double-decker hypocrisy. Students have to remove Janeu and Tilak before entering the examination hall. But groups without obtaining prior information from the state government can offer Namaz in a sensitive zone like an airport.” a user said.
