Ahmedabad

Narendra Modi

Jeddah

Gujarat

Arjun Modhwadia

As Hajis walk into the Haj terminal atairport, it is hard to miss the photograph of Prime Ministersmiling benevolently at them from a huge saffron hoarding next to a vast tent.The tent has been set up by the BJP to offer refreshments and medical treatment to Muslim pilgrims.While a large crowd visits the tent, no one seems to be questioning how it sprung up at the airport overnight. Maybe the huge photographs of State BJP leaders give it a sheen of legitimacy. However, Mirror found out that the political party has no official permission either from the airport authorities or the Haj Committee, which decides such matters, to erect the tent on the airport premises.The Haj committee has, in fact, given permission to set up only three tents. These tents, installed by NGOs, have priests from different sects and a dedicated space for prayers. Here, Hajis are taught the process of worship and the rules that need to be followed at the place of pilgrimage. They are also educated about the fines that they would have to pay if the rules are broken. The Hajis, according to their sects, are also taught how to put on the ‘ihram’ (special clothing designed for the purpose of performing Umrah or Haj).Haj pilgrimage began on Wednesday with the first flight taking off towith 300 passengers. The Airport Authority of India (AAI) had dedicated a terminal for the pilgrims. The Haj Committee takes care of the logistics.‘No written permission’ The fourth tent, interestingly, has been put up right at the entrance of the Haj terminal. This means that Hajis have to go through this tent if they want to enter the terminal. There is a second entrance a little distance away, but it is usually very crowded. So, most Hajis who are accompanied by relatives avoid it.The minority cell of BJP erected the fourth tent. Cell in-charge (Ahmedabad) Imtiyaz Langha claims they have necessary permission. “We have permission from the Haj Committee, though nothing is in written. We offer our services by setting up a medical camp and serving refreshments to the pilgrims and their families.”While it is known for its pro-Hindutva stand, it is clear that the party is willing — like any other political party — to woo Muslims. Already, the BJP has proclaimed itself as the defender of the rights of Muslim women, especially on the triple talaq issue.When asked about the tent, Airport director Manoj Gangal said, “The Haj Committee decides about the tents. We have no role to play in it.” Confirming that they have not given permission for a fourth tent to be erected,Haj Committee secretary R R Mansuri said, “We did not give BJP permission to erect a tent. Ministers and other dignitaries had arrived at the airport to send off the pilgrims on the first day so the party installed a tent for the event.”As many as 6,900 passengers are expected to travel to Jeddah in 23 flights over the next 14 days. Pilgrims from across the State come to Ahmedabad. Whether the tent is legal or not, they are just grateful for a chance to relax and refresh themselves at the airport. Suleimanbhai Jivan, a 58-year-old from Mangrol, was quite excited about going on the pilgrimage. His family and friends had come to see him off. Sipping on a cup of piping hot tea at the BJP tent, he said, “The arrangements made here is very good. We we-re tired after travelling for eight hours to reach the airport. We are quite happy with the services provided to us.”Mohammad Rafiz, a 65-year-old from Kapadwanj, is a retired jailer. This is his second pilgrimage. “I went for Haj in 2005 when the cost was just Rs 65,000. Now, it expenses touch Rs 2.4 lakh due to GST and inflation. It is very difficult to someone from humble background to take up such a pilgrim.” But, he was happy with the arrangements made by BJP at the airport.“It gave us a chance to unwind and refresh,” he said.Firoz Sheikh, a 36-year-old who also hailed from Kapadwanj, said, “Everything has been arranged quite well. We are glad to have a chance to drink a cup of tea and talk to our relatives before embarking on the pilgrimage.”While the BJP seems to be devising stratagems to garner Muslim votes in the forthcoming elections, senior Congress leaderhas termed this move as “politicising spiritual sentiments”. “Since they are in power, they should stop trying to cash in on such sentiments. Going for Haj is a spiritual process and should remain the same. Also, airport is a highsecurity zone. No oneshould be allowed to pitch a tent sans permission.”