Haj flights delayed in Goa, Congress blames central government

Panaji, Sep 12: The Congress has accused the NDA government of harassing minorities after 432 Haj pilgrims were stranded at a Goa airport for hours on Thursday and Friday after their Air India fights to Saudi Arabia got delayed.

"On Thursday, there were 232 pilgrims stranded at the airport for about 15 hours. The flight was supposed to leave Dabolim International Airport at 3.30 a.m. but left at 8.30 p.m. None of the passengers were informed about the reason for delay," said Congress spokesperson Urfan Mulla while addressing a press conference here Friday.

"Today (Friday) the same 3.30 a.m. flight has not left till 5.30 p.m.," Mulla said.

He said Haj affairs were coordinated by the ministry for minority affairs and the performance of the ministry was below par "as revealed by its travel arrangement".

"How can Minister for Minority Affairs Najma Heptulla take Haj pilgrimage so lightly. Are Muslim leaders in the BJP rubber stamps? We demand action against Air India for messing up Haj travel for Goa's pilgrims," Mulla said.

In all 613 Haj pilgrims were scheduled to leave for Mecca from Sep 11 to 13.

IANS