'National Security Over Everything': Suvendu Adhikari Backs Curbs On Kolkata Airport Mosque Entry

Last Updated:July 13, 2026, 14:04 IST

The controversy stems from a temporary suspension of prayers at the 136-year-old Gauripur Jama Masjid, also known as the 'Bankra Masjid', located inside Kolkata airport

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari declared Monday that “national security is over everything" as he solidified his government’s stance on the controversy surrounding the suspension of entry passes for congregational prayers at a mosque inside Kolkata’s Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport.

CM Adhikari emphasised that the gates of the vital installation that possesses critical geopolitical significance cannot stay open for outsiders. 

The controversy stems from a temporary suspension of prayers at the 136-year-old Gauripur Jama Masjid, also known as the ‘Bankra Masjid’, which stands in close vicinity to the secondary runway on airport premises. The first runway handles arrival and departure of passengers.

Since Saturday, the airport has suspended ‘namaz‘ at the mosque for the shrine’s renovation. Police and security guards have also been deployed at the site to main social harmony and ensure law and order.

‘National Security Over Everything’

Speaking to reporters in Purba Medinipur district on Sunday, Adhikari held that “national security would gain priority over everything" and highlighted the strategic location of the Netaji Subhash Chandra Airport.

“National security and security of the airport will gain priority over everything else. As a Chief Minister, I will not comment further. The location of the Kolkata international airport is critical since both China and Bangladesh are close by. It cannot keep its gates open for outsiders," the Chief Minister said, according to PTI. 

CM Adhikari took a dig at the opposition parties and said the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had not stopped anyone from practicing their religion.

“We have not stopped anyone from practicing their religion, unlike what they [the opposition] said about us. Bakrid [Eid al-Adha] was observed adhering to animal slaughter laws, Muharram was observed without brandishing weapons, and there was no problem. Obey the law and act as good citizens. Observe your religions as a personal matter, without trying to influence others. Then everything will run smoothly," he said.

Security Concerns

According to PTI, BJP’s MLA from Dum Dum Sourav Sikdar –– under whose assembly segment the airport falls –– flagged security concerns which he said was associated with the presence of mosque inside the complex.

He alleged that people visiting the mosque for holding prayers did not require airport passes or background verification. “An airport is a secured area. Any person entering the airport has to obtain a biometric pass with a photograph. This mosque is located in the highest-security area, known as Level 3," he said.

Sikdar, a first-time MLA, highlighted that the airport sees the movement of VVIPs, including the Prime Minister and the Chief Minister, besides handling lakhs of passengers every month.

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