BJP slams namaz at Bengaluru airport; seeks clarification from Siddaramaiah
What's the story
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Karnataka has slammed the offering of namaz at Kempegowda International Airport's Terminal 2. Party spokesperson Vijay Prasad questioned how such an act was permitted in a high-security zone. He also sought clarification from Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and IT Minister Priyank Kharge on whether approval was granted for this incident. "I want to ask the Chief Minister and IT Minister if they approve of the act," Prasad said.
Security concerns
Prasad raises security concerns, shares photo and video
Prasad wrote on X, "Did these individuals obtain prior permission to offer Namaz in a high-security airport zone? He also questioned why the government objects to RSS events like Patha Sanchalana, which have due permission, but overlooks such activities in restricted areas. "Does this not pose a serious security concern in such a sensitive zone?" he asked, sharing a photo and video of the incident.
Twitter Post
Prasad shares videos
How is this even allowed inside the T2 Terminal of Bengaluru International Airport?
— Vijay Prasad (@vijayrpbjp) November 9, 2025
Hon’ble Chief Minister @siddaramaiah and Minister @PriyankKharge do you approve of this?
Did these individuals obtain prior permission to offer Namaz in a high-security airport zone?
Why is it… pic.twitter.com/iwWK2rYWZa
Official clarification
Siddaramaiah clarifies government's order not targeted at RSS
The incident comes after Chief Minister Siddaramaiah clarified that his government's order for private organizations to seek permission for public events was not targeted at the RSS. "We didn't specifically mention the RSS anywhere in the order," he said. "What can we do if they assume it is about the RSS?" he questioned. The chief minister emphasized that all organizations must obtain permission from district authorities for conducting events.
Veiled dig
Bhagwat responds to Congress's criticism of unregistered status
On Sunday, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat also responded to Congress leaders who criticized the RSS for operating without registration. He said the Hindu outfit is recognized as a body of individuals. "Sangh started in 1925. Do you expect us to register with the British government? After Independence, the laws do not make registration compulsory. A legal status is also given to 'body of individuals.' We are categorized as a body of individuals and we are a recognized organization," he said.