The Karnataka unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has sought clarification from the state government after a video surfaced online showing a group of individuals offering prayers inside Terminal 2 of the Kempegowda International Airport. Party spokesperson Vijay Prasad questioned how such an act was permitted within a high-security area and urged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and IT Minister Priyank Kharge to explain whether prior approval had been obtained.
BJP raises concern over airport protocol
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, Vijay Prasad shared a photo and a short video from the incident, asking whether permission was granted to offer prayers inside the terminal. He noted that the airport is a restricted, high-security facility where public gatherings are typically subject to strict protocols.
“Did these individuals obtain prior permission to offer prayers in a high-security airport zone? Why is it that the government insists on prior approval for certain organisations but allows such activities without clearance?” Prasad asked in his post.
He added that the issue was not about religious practices but about ensuring consistency in the enforcement of security and permission norms at sensitive public locations like airports.
Government response and background
Responding to similar concerns on Sunday, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said the government’s recent directive requiring organisations to seek prior permission for public events was not aimed at any particular group.
“We didn’t specifically mention any organisation in the order. Any group must obtain permission from district authorities to conduct an event. If someone assumes it’s directed at a particular organisation, that’s not the case,” Siddaramaiah clarified.
The Chief Minister’s remarks followed questions from the media about a separate government circular and comments made by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on the organisation’s registration status. Siddaramaiah declined to comment on Bhagwat’s statement, reiterating that permissions are a standard administrative requirement for all groups.
Airport officials yet to comment
As of Monday evening, the Kempegowda International Airport authorities had not issued an official statement regarding the incident. Airport officials are expected to review CCTV footage and security protocols to determine whether any procedural violations occurred.
Security experts have pointed out that airports, being high-sensitivity zones, generally require prior approval for organised group activities, regardless of purpose. However, authorities are also expected to balance enforcement with respect for individual rights and public decorum.
Broader political context
The development comes amid an ongoing political debate in Karnataka over government permissions for public events and gatherings. The BJP has accused the ruling Congress of selective enforcement, while the state government has maintained that its policies are uniform and apply to all entities equally.
The video circulating on social media has since prompted discussions about maintaining neutrality and sensitivity in the implementation of security and permission rules in public places.
Conclusion
While the BJP has demanded a formal explanation, the state government maintains that all public events require prior approval under existing rules. The airport authorities are expected to examine the situation and ensure that future activities within the terminal comply fully with security regulations.