Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Apr 14: Reports emerging from Saudi Arabia regarding a sudden reduction in India’s Haj quota have sparked political ripples back home, with opposition leaders expressing serious concern and demanding immediate intervention from the Indian government.
Congress general secretary Syed Naseer Hussain voiced his dismay over the alleged cancellation of nearly 52,000 Haj slots allocated to Indian pilgrims, even after payments had been made. He appealed to external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar to urgently engage with Saudi authorities and ensure the restoration of the slots, highlighting that India’s sizeable Muslim population warrants a proportional allocation.
“Such an abrupt cancellation has deeply disappointed the Haj aspirants. We request the government to take this up at the highest level to safeguard the interests of our citizens,” Hussain said.
Echoing similar sentiments, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti flagged reports suggesting an 80% reduction in the private Haj quota allotted to India. In a post on X, she noted that the development had caused considerable distress among both pilgrims and private tour operators. She urged the Ministry of External Affairs to act swiftly and resolve the issue diplomatically.
Meanwhile, union ministry of minority affairs secretary Dr Chandra Shekhar Kumar, who recently visited Saudi Arabia to assess Haj arrangements, had earlier expressed satisfaction over the preparations. He stated that hygienic and stress-free accommodations were in place to ensure a smooth experience for Indian pilgrims.
As per India’s Haj Policy 2025, 70% of the total Haj quota will be allocated to the Haj Committee of India, while the remaining 30% will go to private Haj Group organizers. Saudi Arabia had approved a total of 1.75 lac slots for Indian pilgrims for the upcoming season.
However, the reported reduction has led to growing anxiety among stakeholders, with many awaiting an official clarification from the Indian government.
The silence from official channels has only intensified calls for transparency and immediate diplomatic engagement to protect the rights and religious sentiments of thousands of Indian Haj aspirants.