A major controversy erupted over the two-day International Meelad-un-Nabi Conference scheduled to begin today at Palace Grounds in Bengaluru, with Hindu organisations alleging violations of visa norms and raising concerns about national security.
The event, organised to mark Eid-e-Milad, has allegedly invited several foreign Islamic clerics, including Al Habib Ummar Bin Hafid (Yemen), Sheikh Muhammad Uptad As Shamshiri (Saudi Arabia), Sheikh Abdual Kabir Al Madina (Saudi Arabia), and Sheikh As Syed Hashim Abdul Khadeer Al Jeelani (Iraq). Posters for the event project them as keynote speakers and prayer leaders.
🚨 URGENT:@HinduJagrutiOrg urges @rpobengaluru
& authorities to act on foreign nationals violating Indian visa rules at Eid-e-Milad, Palace Grounds, Bengaluru (5-6 Sept).
Religious preaching on tourist/conference visas is illegal. Enforce the law. #VisaViolation #Bengaluru pic.twitter.com/JbYMtbc7ab— Hindu Existence (@HinduExistence) September 3, 2025
Hindu activists argued this amounts to a breach of Indian visa regulations, which prohibit foreigners on tourist, missionary, or conference visas from delivering religious discourses or engaging in preaching.
Activist Girish Bharadwaj lodged a complaint with the Foreigners’ Regional Registration Office (FRRO) and city police, demanding verification of the clerics’ visa categories and action against the organisers.
I have written to the MHA, FRRO, and the Bengaluru City Police Commissioner, urging them to ensure strict compliance with VISA regulations.
No foreign national should be permitted to preach, propagate, or participate in any religious event. The law of the land stands supreme… https://t.co/anhOO9ugZ9 pic.twitter.com/4nWAzYPgaa
— Girish Bharadwaj (@Girishvhp) September 2, 2025
The Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS) also submitted memoranda to the FRRO, the Police Commissioner, and the Ministry of Home Affairs, warning that the event undermines “India’s sovereignty and security.” “Posters prove these clerics are not mere attendees but advertised as religious propagandists. If they hold tourist or conference visas, this activity is illegal under Indian law,” HJS stated.
Government response
Home Minister Dr. G. Parameshwara confirmed that authorities have instructed organisers not to allow foreign nationals to preach. “Indian law does not permit foreigners to deliver religious discourses. Police and FRRO officials will monitor the programme closely. Any violation will invite strict action,” he said.
Home Minister Shri Parameshwara has made it clear that foreigners will not be permitted to preach or take part in religious events. As per visa regulations, no foreign national is allowed to preach or propagate religion. @BlrCityPolice must ensure strict compliance with these… pic.twitter.com/aqhUhpD3ga
— Girish Bharadwaj (@Girishvhp) September 3, 2025
Parameshwara added that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar are scheduled to attend the event, and additional security and intelligence teams have been deployed.
Housing Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan, associated with the organising committee, dismissed the allegations, saying foreign clerics were visiting as guests but would not preach. “We are aware of visa conditions. There is no scope for violation. Rumours on social media are misleading,” he told reporters.
Despite assurances, opposition parties remain unconvinced. BJP leaders accused the Congress government of “appeasement politics” and warned of protests if the event proceeds with foreign clerics delivering sermons.
Political observers say the controversy has come at a sensitive time for the Siddaramaiah administration, already facing criticism over debt, welfare schemes, and law-and-order issues.
Legal experts note that under the Foreigners Act, 1946, foreigners engaging in religious propagation without valid permits risk deportation, blacklisting, and prosecution.
The conference is underway as in the below video:
(With inputs from HinduPost)
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