Nagpur: The BJP-dominated Haj committee of

has planned a major event involving top leaders, including city MP and union minister

, to train around 2,000 pilgrims before they leave for

.

Departing from the regular practice, the mandatory training programme, which used to be held in the Haj House near Mominpura so far, has been organized at the

Auditorium near RSS Smruti Mandir premises at Reshimbagh. A number of other BJP leaders, like state minister for tribal affairs Parinay Fuke and mayor Nanda Jichkar will share the dais with Muslim clerics, who would train the Hajis (pilgrims) on June 7, Haj committee members told TOI. Haj travel will begin from June third week.

The plan has also led to a political controversy, with grass roots level Congress workers opposing the event on the grounds that the BJP is eyeing political mileage from the event. They are also against holding the mandatory training programme out of the Haj House, which has been the venue over the years. Organizing the event at the auditorium next to Smruti Mandir is as good as holding it in the RSS premises, said Muslim activists affiliated to Congress.

The Hajis are given the mandatory training on the journey before they embark. This includes providing information about practices during the pilgrimage apart from formalities related to immigration. After BJP came to power, it has appointed its supporters to the state’s Haj committee. The panel is headed by Jamil Siddiqui, who was earlier in the minority cell of the BJP. Other members of the committee are also from the BJP.

A committee member, Juned Khan, confirmed that Gadkari, Fuke and Jichkar will be present. He said the event has been planned at the auditorium only because of its larger capacity. “Earlier, when the training programmes were held at the Haj House, not more than 200 odd could be accommodated at one time. Pilgrims from a one district could only be accommodated in a single session. This time, there are plans to have a single session for 2,000 pilgrims from across Vidarbha. Considering the scale, Suresh Bhat auditorium was the best site. There is no reason for any controversy,” said Khan. Facilities will be made for prayers during the training too, he said.

Meanwhile, protests were held against the move by Muslim groups. Shahid Sharif, an activist, said, “If there is a facility at Haj House, why should the programme be held at Suresh Bhat auditorium?”

Riyaz Khan, a Congress supporter, said there are designated places for activities like prayers or Haj training. Prayers cannot be held at a public place like the auditorium, he said.