Bengaluru: Any governmental agency or body is supposed to abide by the principles as laid out in the Indian Constitution and be secular in its conduct. 

But shift your glance to the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) and you might get second thoughts about it 

Already plagued by a number of controversies and at the receiving end for its pathetic infrastructure, the BBMP is now making news for an entirely different reason! 

Also read: BBMP's failure in Karnataka high court handed prime land in MLA NA Haris’ favour: BJP

One of its Muslim leaders from the ruling party Congress Abdul Wajeed now wants a separate room on BBMP’s premises to facilitate Muslims performing namaz five times a day. 

Speaking to a local channel, he said, “Many Muslim friends have approached me many times asking for a place to perform namaz. Like you know, we are supposed to do namaz five times a day.

But here we are not able to do it during noon and evenings. It’s very difficult to go out and do namaz at that time. I will put forward this request as the new commissioner has been appointed. It would be great for us if they give some space for us to do namaz.” 

Though it is not known if there is a provision to incorporate this demand, the BJP has cried foul over the issue. 

“We have received information that the Congress leader Abul Wajid has given a letter seeking space for doing namaz. This is BBMP, like we all know. People from various religions are here.

Common people will be misled if people keep asking for the construction of a temple, church or mosque. I request Abdul not to do this. The mayor should not grant permission for this. If it is approved, we will protest it,” says Umesh Shetty, a BJP corporator. 

While the fight goes on, it is safe to assume that work concerning Bengaluru’s development is the sufferer.