
New Delhi, November 10, 2025: A video clip showing several individuals performing Namaz (Islamic prayers) in a public area of the Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) in Bengaluru has gone viral, immediately drawing sharp criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The footage has been used by the opposition party to question the ruling Congress government in Karnataka, specifically regarding the handling of public spaces and the enforcement of airport regulations.
The short video was filmed within the airport premises, allegedly showing a group of people praying on the floor, potentially near a baggage claim or waiting area. The video’s public nature and location within a major international travel hub were instantly highlighted by critics.
The clip was rapidly disseminated across social media platforms, with many users questioning why a designated prayer room was not used and why a public corridor was occupied for religious observance. The immediate concern was raised over the potential obstruction of passenger movement and the appropriateness of the setting.
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The BJP was quick to seize upon the viral footage, using it to launch an attack on the Siddaramaiah-led state government. Questions were formally asked by key BJP leaders regarding the administration’s policies concerning the use of public infrastructure for religious activities.
The BJP alleged that the state government was being overly permissive and was allowing a breakdown of standard operating procedures in public spaces like the airport. The party’s focus was placed on the notion of “appeasement politics” and the perceived compromise of security and order within a high-security zone.
The demand for a clear explanation of the airport’s policy regarding multi-faith prayer facilities and the management of religious observances in public areas was issued by the opposition.
In response to the growing political pressure, a statement from the Kempegowda International Airport management or the state government is currently awaited. Typically, major international airports are equipped with dedicated multi-faith prayer rooms or quiet rooms where passengers can observe their respective religious duties without causing public obstruction or security concerns. The official protocol regarding the use of these designated areas is expected to be cited by the authorities in defense of the administration.
The incident has further intensified the ongoing political debate in Karnataka over religious freedom, the use of public spaces, and security concerns, with the viral video serving as a powerful visual tool in the opposition’s political arsenal.