Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju glosses over serious shortcomings in favour of a carefully curated success narrative
NEW DELHI — The Union government’s claim that Haj 2026 was the “most successful” pilgrimage operation in India’s history is facing growing scrutiny amid complaints of baggage theft, damaged luggage, delayed baggage delivery, a sudden hike in the cost of the air tickets, and the continuing absence of a Central Haj Committee to oversee the pilgrimage process.
At a review meeting convened by the Ministry of Minority Affairs on June 18, Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju outlined preparations for Haj 2027.
Interacting with the media after the meeting, Rijiju praised the government’s management of this year’s pilgrimage as the “most successful”. Yet the self-congratulatory tone of the exercise has prompted criticism from pilgrims and community leaders who argue that serious shortcomings were glossed over in favour of a carefully curated success narrative.
A Review Without a Haj Committee
One of the most striking aspects of the review meeting was that it took place despite the absence of a duly constituted Central Haj Committee, the statutory body responsible for supervising and coordinating Haj operations in India.
The tenure of the previous committee expired in March 2025, and no new committee has been appointed since. Consequently, Haj 2026 was conducted without the country’s principal representative body for pilgrims functioning in its normal capacity.
Critics question how the government can claim unprecedented success when the very institution meant to provide oversight, accountability and representation has remained effectively defunct for over a year.
The absence of the committee has also raised concerns about transparency in decision-making, particularly regarding airfare revisions, service contracts, pilgrim welfare and grievance redressal.
Sudden Airfare Increase
Adding to the dissatisfaction among pilgrims was an unexpected increase of nearly ₹10,000 in airfare costs shortly before departure.
For many applicants, particularly those from lower and middle-income families who spend years saving for the pilgrimage, the hike came as a financial shock. Questions remain about why the increase was imposed at the last minute and whether better planning could have prevented the additional burden.
Despite widespread complaints, the issue found little reflection in the ministry’s celebratory review of Haj 2026.
Pilgrims and community leaders maintain that any credible review of Haj 2026 should have addressed the abrupt ₹10,000 increase in airfare and clarified why pilgrims were asked to bear the additional cost. They argue that the explanation of higher operating expenses linked to tensions in West Asia does not fully stand up to scrutiny, particularly because Saudi Airlines, operating from one of the world’s largest oil-producing countries, was entrusted with carrying a large number of Indian pilgrims. In their view, the fare hike remains one of the unanswered questions of Haj 2026.
Baggage Theft Complaints
The government’s claims of exemplary management were further undermined by unprecedented allegations of baggage theft involving returning pilgrims.
Several pilgrims arriving at Lucknow airport reported broken locks, damaged suitcases and missing valuables. The complaints triggered protests by aggrieved passengers who alleged that jewellery, perfumes, clothing and gifts purchased in Saudi Arabia had disappeared from their luggage.
One woman pilgrim claimed that silver rings, gold nose pins, perfume bottles, hijabs and toys were missing from her bags. She also alleged that airport and airline officials showed little interest in addressing the complaints.
The seriousness of the allegations lies in the fact that baggage handling and storage areas are reportedly monitored by CCTV cameras. If the complaints are substantiated, they would represent one of the most serious security lapses in the history of India’s Haj operations.
Faced with mounting criticism, Rijiju announced an inquiry. However, critics contend that the need for such an investigation itself contradicts the government’s portrayal of a flawless pilgrimage season.
Ahmedabad Incident Raises Further Questions
Lucknow was not the only embarkation point affected by the controversy.
Pilgrims returning to Ahmedabad complained that their baggage arrived several days after they had reached home. According to reports, luggage was left unattended outside the airport and reached passengers four to five days later.
Veteran Haj observers describe the episode as unprecedented.
For elderly pilgrims, many of whom return physically exhausted after weeks of travel and religious rituals, such delays cause considerable inconvenience and distress.
The incident has reinforced concerns that the government’s narrative of smooth management does not fully reflect the experiences of many pilgrims on the ground.
Selective Statistics and Convenient Comparisons
Another aspect of the government’s presentation that has drawn criticism is its use of casualty figures.
Rijiju highlighted that less than 90 Indian pilgrims died during Haj 2026, compared with more than 200 deaths in the 2024 pilgrimage. The comparison was presented as evidence of improved management and healthcare arrangements.
However, critics point out that the minister omitted figures from Haj 2025, when only 62 Indian pilgrims reportedly died—significantly fewer than in 2026. This has led some observers to accuse the ministry of selectively choosing data that supports its success narrative while ignoring more recent figures that would complicate the claim.
Historical records also indicate that Haj 2022 recorded only 21 deaths among Indian pilgrims, one of the lowest figures in recent memory.
The question being asked is straightforward: if the objective was an honest evaluation, why compare Haj 2026 with 2024 rather than with the immediately preceding year?
Awards Cannot Replace Accountability
The ministry highlighted several achievements during the review meeting, including two prestigious Labbaytum Awards conferred on the Indian Haj Mission by Saudi authorities for coordination and communication.
Officials also pointed to technological innovations, improved accommodation, high-speed train services between Makkah and Madinah, digital grievance mechanisms and enhanced medical facilities.
These improvements undoubtedly benefited many pilgrims. However, critics argue that awards and administrative innovations cannot become substitutes for accountability.
Quota Issue
The minister also used the occasion to explain why India has been unable to seek an increase in its Haj quota.
According to Rijiju, Saudi Arabia allocates quotas primarily on the basis of Muslim population figures, and India’s inability to provide updated demographic data has limited its capacity to negotiate a higher quota.
India’s last census was conducted in 2011, and repeated delays in conducting a fresh census have left policymakers without updated official population statistics.
Rijiju said India’s Muslim population is expected to surpass that of both Pakistan and Indonesia once the 2027 Census is completed, which could strengthen India’s case for a proportionately larger Haj quota. He also said the Ministry would announce a new Haj policy shortly.
Celebration Before Accountability?
Traditionally, post-Haj review meetings are expected to identify shortcomings, examine complaints and recommend corrective measures for future pilgrimages. However, it appeared focused primarily on celebrating achievements and projecting a narrative of administrative excellence.
The continuing absence of a Central Haj Committee, the unexplained airfare hike, allegations of baggage theft in Lucknow, delayed baggage delivery in Ahmedabad and questions surrounding the government’s statistical claims suggest that Haj 2026 was far more complex than the official narrative acknowledged.
For many pilgrims, the review meeting seemed less an introspection than an exercise in self-congratulation.
