Bengaluru Airport Prayer Session Triggers Political Storm
The Bharatiya Janata Party has launched a sharp criticism against the Karnataka government led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah over reports of namaz being offered at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru. The opposition party has directly questioned both the Chief Minister and Minister Priyank Kharge about whether they approved the religious activity within airport premises.
BJP's Accusation of Double Standards
In a strongly worded statement, a BJP spokesperson highlighted what the party perceives as inconsistent treatment by the state government toward different organizations. The BJP specifically questioned why the government objects when RSS conducts Patha Sanchalana after obtaining due permission, but appears to turn a blind eye to similar activities in restricted public areas like the airport.
The controversy emerged on November 10, 2025, when the BJP raised this issue publicly, demanding transparency from the state administration about the permissions granted for religious activities at the airport. The party's questioning suggests they believe there are different standards being applied to different groups when it comes to organizing events in public spaces.
Broader Implications for Public Spaces
This incident has sparked a wider discussion about the use of restricted public areas for religious activities and whether consistent policies are being applied to all organizations equally. The Bengaluru airport, being a high-security zone and critical infrastructure, adds another layer to this controversy as questions arise about what types of activities should be permitted within such sensitive locations.
The BJP's challenge to the Siddaramaiah government comes amid ongoing political tensions in Karnataka, with the opposition party seeking to highlight what it describes as preferential treatment toward certain communities while restricting activities of other organizations. The situation continues to develop as responses from the state government are awaited.
