“How was this allowed?” — namaz offered at Bengaluru airport sparks BJP-Congress face-off

Bengaluru (The Uttam Hindu) – A political controversy has erupted after a video emerged showing some people offering namaz inside Terminal 2 of Kempegowda International Airport (KIA). The Karnataka BJP, calling it a security lapse, accused the Congress government of double standards and demanded answers from Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Minister Priyank Kharge.

BJP's Questions

BJP spokesperson Vijay Prasad posted on the social media platform 'X' and asked how such activity was allowed "within a high-security airport terminal." He asked whether those involved had obtained prior official permission. According to Prasad, the government objects when the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) conducts a march after obtaining permission from the local administration, "but turns a blind eye to such activity in a restricted/sensitive public area"—isn't this a serious security concern?

The controversy surrounding Congress leader Priyank Kharge's remarks

comes after Minister Priyank Kharge, on November 3, 2025, questioned the RSS's transparency and called for it to be formally registered as an organization. He stated that he had no problem with the RSS, provided it obtained government permission for its activities and followed the legal framework. Kharge also questioned the advance security contacts provided to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, stating that such security is generally reserved for top constitutional positions.