Non-Muslim officer appointed as CEO of Maharashtra State Hajj Committee, sparks debate
Mumbai: For the first time in its history, the Maharashtra State Hajj Committee has appointed a non-Muslim as its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), a move that has triggered debate and concern among sections of the Muslim community, according to a report by Free Press Journal.
IAS officer Manoj Jadhav has taken charge as the new CEO of the committee, succeeding Sheikh Ibrahim Sheikh Aslam. The appointment is being seen as unprecedented, as the committee is responsible for overseeing arrangements related to the annual Hajj pilgrimage.
The Maharashtra State Hajj Committee plays a key role in implementing the quota allotted by the Saudi government and facilitating the Hajj pilgrimage for Indian citizens. Of the nearly 1.75 lakh pilgrims who travel from India every year, a majority are managed through Hajj committees, while around one-fourth travel through private Hajj operators.
Jadhav’s appointment has raised questions about a non-Muslim holding an administrative position linked to the supervision of the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina. Religious leaders have expressed apprehension over whether a non-Muslim official would be able to fully understand the religious practices, rituals and sensitivities associated with Hajj.
Shuaib Khatib, trustee of Jama Masjid in Mumbai, said that while an experienced government officer may have administrative expertise, there are concerns about whether he would be familiar with the religious aspects of the pilgrimage. He also pointed out that Saudi authorities do not permit non-Muslims to enter the core areas of the Hajj pilgrimage and questioned how an officer would be able to fully grasp the issues faced by Indian pilgrims at the holy sites.
Some residents have also voiced strong opposition to the appointment, stating that Hajj is a core religious duty in Islam and the fifth pillar of the faith. They argued that appointing a non-Muslim as CEO of the state Hajj committee is objectionable and unacceptable under any circumstances.
Meanwhile, the Hajj pilgrimage for 2026 has tentatively been scheduled between May 25 and May 30, subject to moon sighting. The Saudi Arabian government has issued guidelines for pilgrims, including a ban on cooking in camps and restrictions on carrying electric cookers. Pilgrims have been advised to carry essential medicines for five to six days, along with items such as umbrellas, sunglasses, plastic mats and protein bars.
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Dear Vaibhav, well done: Kohli''s message after Sooryavanshi blitz against RCB
Guwahati (PTI): For a young cricketer, a few words of praise from superstar Virat Kohli can feel like a standing ovation, and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi had his moment after yet another breathtaking performance in the IPL.
The 15-year-old continues to carve a fearless reputation, taking on the best with remarkable ease. Fresh from unsettling Jasprit Bumrah, he went after Australian quick Josh Hazlewood, smashing a stunning 78 off just 26 balls to steer Rajasthan Royals to a comfortable six-wicket win over Royal Challengers Bengaluru here on Friday.
After the match, Kohli signed the youngster’s cap and left a simple but special message: “Dear Vaibhav, well done.”
The innings also propelled Sooryavanshi to the top of the run charts this season, earning him the Orange Cap.
Rajasthan Royals stayed unbeaten with four wins in as many games, while the defending champions suffered their first loss of the campaign.
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