Bengaluru News: Bengaluru Airport Namaz Video Sparks BJP Outrage, Questions Government's Double Standards
Bengaluru News - Bengaluru Airport Namaz Video Sparks BJP Outrage, Questions Government's Double Standards
A video depicting individuals offering Namaz at Terminal 2 of Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport has ignited a fresh political controversy in Karnataka. The footage, which quickly went viral across social media platforms, has provided the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Karnataka with an opportunity to vehemently criticize the ruling Congress government, raising serious questions about security protocols and alleged double standards in governance. This incident further fuels the ongoing debate in the state concerning. Religious freedom, permissions for public activities, and the equitable application of laws.
Recently, a video surfaced and rapidly gained traction online, showing several individuals performing Namaz inside Terminal 2 of Bengaluru Airport. The emergence of this video immediately drew strong objections from the Karnataka BJP. Vijay Prasad, the spokesperson for Karnataka BJP, posted the video on X (formerly Twitter), directly challenging the state government and its top leadership. He questioned how such an activity could be permitted within a high-security zone like an airport, especially without apparent official sanction, while this incident comes at a time when political parties in the state are already engaged in a war of words over the activities of various religious and social organizations.
BJP Demands Answers on Airport Security and Permissions
BJP spokesperson Vijay Prasad explicitly sought clarification from Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his cabinet minister Priyank Kharge. Prasad questioned whether the individuals seen offering Namaz inside Terminal 2 of Bengaluru Airport had obtained prior permission from the relevant authorities. He further inquired if CM Siddaramaiah and Minister Priyank Kharge had approved this activity. The BJP's line of questioning underscores the importance of adhering to proper permissions and clear protocols for any religious or collective activity in a sensitive and high-security environment. This directly challenges the government's oversight and the efficacy of its security arrangements.
**Allegations of Double Standards: RSS Marches vs.
The BJP has linked this incident to the state government's objections regarding the 'Path Sanchalan'. (march) organized by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), accusing the Congress government of applying double standards. Vijay Prasad highlighted that while the RSS meticulously seeks and obtains official permissions for its traditional marches, the state government often raises objections or attempts to restrict these events, while in stark contrast, the video from Terminal 2 of Bengaluru Airport shows individuals engaged in Namaz, an act which, according to the BJP, appears to have occurred without prior official sanction in a highly sensitive and secure zone. The BJP argues that this perceived inconsistency not only undermines the principle of equal treatment under the law but also raises serious questions about the government's priorities and its commitment to uniform application of rules across different communities and organizations. This accusation further intensifies political polarization in the state, where activities of various organizations are often viewed through a political lens.Minister Priyank Kharge's Prior Stance on RSS Activities
This incident follows just days after Karnataka Cabinet Minister Priyank Kharge raised questions on November 3 regarding the transparency and accountability of the RSS. Kharge had sought to know why the RSS keeps its activities secret and how it can conduct large-scale marches without being registered as an organization, while he had stated that he would have no issue with the RSS as long as it sought government permission for its activities and registered itself as an organization. Kharge had also questioned why the BJP was so keen that the RSS shouldn't comply with the country's laws. These earlier statements provide a broader political context to the current controversy, where the legitimacy and operational methods of various organizations are being scrutinized.Legal Battle Over RSS 'Path Sanchalan' Permissions
Adding another layer to the controversy, the issue of permissions for RSS 'Path Sanchalan' is also a matter before the Karnataka High Court. On November 6, the High Court rejected the state government's appeal to lift a stay on an order that required prior permission for any public event. The court questioned the constitutionality of this order and suggested that the government could approach a single bench if it wished. This government order was widely perceived as an attempt to curb RSS branches and 'Path Sanchalan' activities. The next detailed hearing on this matter is scheduled for November 13, which could potentially determine the future of regulations governing public gatherings and organizational activities in the state.Heightened Security Concerns Amidst Political Tensions
The comparison drawn between the Namaz video at Bengaluru Airport and the government's. Objection to RSS 'Path Sanchalan' has created a significant political uproar in Karnataka. The BJP has framed the airport incident as a serious security concern, particularly at a time when airport security is paramount. The party alleges that while the government attempts to restrict the activities of certain organizations, it turns a blind eye to other activities in sensitive areas, while this controversy not only raises issues of religious and political freedom but also questions the equitable application of law and order in the state. In the coming days, this issue is likely to remain a significant topic of debate in Karnataka politics, with various parties presenting their arguments and the government being pressed to provide answers to these critical questions.