Hajj 2024: Indian Pilgrims await clearance for stay in Mina
Bengaluru: As the countdown to the sacred Hajj pilgrimage commences for Indian pilgrims, uncertainty looms over their stay in the Mina zone (Place where the ‘stoning of devil’ takes place across three days). Despite private Hajj tour operators facilitating the journey of the pilgrims, the absence of clearance for Indian pilgrims to stay in Mina has caused much dissatisfaction among tour operators and pilgrims.
Meanwhile, Private Hajj tour operators also have to make other preparations before the beginning of the pilgrimage, including verification of pilgrims' documents, booking hotels, arranging accommodation for pilgrims at Arafat and Mina, appointing Muallims (a guide appointed by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah).
Pilgrims from different states, including Karnataka and Kerala, are scheduled to begin their journey for Hajj through private tour operators from the third week of May.
While private tour operators would deposit the money of pilgrims into the IBAN (International Bank Account Number) account, this year as per the new regulations of the Saudi Arabian government, private Hajj tour operators were asked to deposit the money into the Indian Haj Mission account, from where the pilgrims would draw the money to cover the expenses incurred during the pilgrimage.
Tour operators have expressed facing difficulties in collecting money owing to the new regulations made by the Saudi government, as the process of depositing money to the IBAN account would be completed within 24 hours.
Meanwhile, Karnataka State Hajj Organizers Association General Secretary Shafi Ahmed, speaking to the Vartha Bharathi, highlighted that owing to the delays by the Indian Hajj Committee and the Indian Hajj Mission, tour operators have not been able to book hotel accomadation for piligrims. “Vaccinations should be given to the pilgrims. So far there is a lack of vaccination supply from the Ministry of Health. We have brought this matter to the attention of the Indian Hajj Committee and the State Hajj Committee.”
“Airline tickets are booked for Hajj pilgrims through operators. If the pilgrims get a chance to stay in Mina, where should we accommodate the pilgrims? If the pilgrims are not able to travel on the day we have booked air tickets, we will reportedly face a major financial hardship,” Shafi expressed concern.
“The Union government should pay attention to this matter immediately. In addition, The Government of Saudi Arabia should initiate discussions with the Indian Hajj Mission and facilitate the accommodation in Mina. At least 3 thousand pilgrims from our state will travel for Hajj this year,” he added.
Expressing that the Government of India and the Indian Hajj Mission have to work seriously in this matter, Shoukal Ali Sultan, the President of the Karnataka Hajj Organizers Association said, “Currently we are facing problems in transferring pilgrims' money to the Indian Hajj Mission account. Additionally, the fact that we are yet to get approval to stay in the Mina zone has added to our problems. We are in constant touch with the State Hajj Committee and will solve the problem as soon as possible and facilitate the pilgrims going for the pilgrimage through private tour operators.”
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Sanjay Raut demands re-election, alleges irregularities in EVMs during Maharashtra polls
Mumbai, Nov 25: Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Monday demanded a re-election in Maharashtra using ballot papers, claiming there were irregularities with the electronic voting machines (EVMs).
Talking to reporters, Raut alleged several complaints about EVMs malfunctioning and questioned the integrity of the recently held elections.
The BJP-led Mahayuti won 230 out of 288 seats in the assembly elections, while the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi managed 46 seats, with Shiv Sena (UBT) winning just 20 out of 95 seats it contested.
"We have received nearly 450 complaints regarding EVMs. Despite raising objections repeatedly, no action has been taken on these issues. How can we say these elections were conducted fairly? Hence, I demand that the results be set aside and elections be held again using ballot papers," Raut said.
Citing some instances, he said a candidate in Nashik reportedly received only four votes despite having 65 votes from his family, while in Dombivli, discrepancies were found in EVM tallies, and election officials refused to acknowledge the objections.
The Sena (UBT) leader also questioned the credibility of the landslide victories of some candidates, saying, "What revolutionary work have they done to receive more than 1.5 lakh votes? Even leaders who recently switched parties have become MLAs. This raises suspicions. For the first time, a senior leader like Sharad Pawar has expressed doubts about EVMs, which cannot be ignored."
Asked about the MVA's poor performance in the elections, Raut rejected the idea of blaming a single individual.
"We fought as a united MVA. Even a leader like Sharad Pawar, who commands immense respect in Maharashtra, faced defeat. This shows that we need to analyse the reasons behind the failure. One of the reasons is EVM irregularities and the misuse of the system, unconstitutional practices, and even judicial decisions left unresolved by Justice Chandrachud," he said.
Raut stressed that though internal differences might have existed within the MVA, the failure was collective.
He also accused the Mahayuti of conducting the elections in an unfair manner.
"I cannot call the elections fair given the numerous reports of discrepancies in EVMs, mismatched numbers, and vote irregularities across the state," Raut said.
