Avoid Political Maneuvering on Hajj Matters: Kiren Rijiju Highlights Saudi Arabia's Special Consideration
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Synopsis
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju requests the Opposition to steer clear of politicizing the Hajj issue. He elaborates on Saudi Arabia's special accommodations for Indian pilgrims, emphasizing the significance of this religious event.
Key Takeaways
- Union Minister Kiren Rijiju calls for political neutrality on the Hajj issue.
- Saudi Arabia has provided a special window for Indian pilgrims.
- Private operators faced challenges in meeting Saudi timelines.
- India’s Hajj quota has increased significantly over the years.
- Strong diplomatic ties led to additional Hajj quotas for India.
New Delhi, April 17 (NationPress) Union Minister Kiren Rijiju urged the Opposition on Thursday to avoid politicizing the sacred Hajj issue, detailing how Saudi Arabia made extraordinary arrangements to fulfill India's requests by opening a dedicated window for pilgrims.
Rijiju utilized social media to convey that all preparations were made in alignment with Saudi rules and timelines, and that the Hajj Committee of India (HCOI) and the Consulate General of India (CGI) successfully completed all necessary work for 122,000 pilgrims punctually.
“Regrettably, private operators were unable to finalize contracts and issue payments in accordance with the advanced deadlines set by Saudi Arabia this year. Furthermore, no extensions were permitted by the Saudi Government,” he stated, adding that when the Indian Government raised concerns with their Saudi counterparts, the latter responded with a special gesture.
The Union Minister's reassurances follow concerns voiced by various Opposition parties, including Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and J&K CM Omar Abdullah, regarding the reduction of India's private Hajj quota and calls for the External Affairs Ministry to intervene.
Clarifying the situation, Rijiju noted that private operators had failed to meet the necessary formalities and payment deadlines.
“The Government of India brought this issue to the attention of the Saudi Government. As a special gesture and in light of the strong relations between both nations, India has been granted an additional 10,000 Hajj Quotas. The Saudi Hajj Ministry has opened the Nusuk portal for private operators to complete their tasks based on the present availability in Mina,” Rijiju explained.
He called on all private operators (CGHOs) to finalize contracts and upload the required documents onto the Saudi Nusuk portal within the extended timeframe provided.
Previously, the Ministry of Minority Affairs reported that the annual Hajj quota, determined by Saudi authorities, has increased from 136,020 in 2014 to 175,025 in the current year.
“The Government of India prioritizes facilitating the Hajj pilgrimage for Indian Muslims. Owing to sustained efforts, India's Hajj quota has risen from 136,020 in 2014 to 175,025 in 2025, as finalized annually by Saudi authorities,” the post on X highlighted.
