Baba Ramdev is a mental case: Lalu Prasad

May 2, 2012

New Delhi, May 2: Parliamentarians across party lines have once again united in the face of criticism and this time it is yoga guru and anti-corruption activist Baba Ramdev who has earned their wrath for calling the members of Parliament corrupt and characterless.

He had said, "There are some politicians who are good. But some others are corrupt and have no character."

Reacting to the comments of Ramdev, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav has hit back calling Ramdev mentally sick.

"He is a mental case and frustrated," said the former Union Railways Minister.

It was not just Lalu Prasad who was angered by the statement. The Samajwadi Party, in fact, moved a privilege motion against the yoga guru over the issue.

The party, in its reaction to the comments of the yoga guru, said that his behaviour had never been like a saint.

"Baba Ramdev calls himself a saint but a saint doesn't talk like him. I pray to God to give him a saint like mind," said Samajwadi Party MP Mohan Singh.

Meanwhile, others said they did not need a certificate of approval from the yoga guru.

"We don't need any certificate from Baba Ramdev. We have been selected by the people," said Congress leader Satyavrat Chaturvedi.

Speaking on the issue, senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Yashwant Sinha said that the anti-corruption activist had no right to insult the democracy.

"Being a saint, an NGO or a political leader does not give anyone the power to insult our democracy," said Sinha.

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Tech-enabled Haj 2026: India to equip all pilgrims with smart wristbands

News Network

December 2,2025

A major upgrade in safety and monitoring is planned for Haj 2026, with every Indian pilgrim set to receive a Haj Suvidha smart wristband linked to the official Haj Suvidha mobile app. The initiative aims to support pilgrims—especially senior citizens—who may struggle with smartphones during the 45-day journey.

What the Smart Wristband Will Do

Officials said the device will come with:
•   Location tracking
•   Pedometer
•   SOS emergency button
•   Qibla compass
•   Prayer timings
•   Basic health monitoring

SP Tiwari, secretary of the UP State Haj Committee, said the goal is to make the pilgrimage safer and more comfortable.

“Most Hajis are elderly and not comfortable with mobile apps,” he said. “The smartwatch will help locate pilgrims who forget their way or cannot communicate their location.”

The wristbands will be monitored by the Consulate General of India in Saudi Arabia, similar to mobile tracking via the Haj Suvidha App.

Free Distribution and Training

•   Smart wristbands will be given free of cost.
•   Training for pilgrims will be conducted between January and February 2026.
•   Sample units will reach state Haj committees soon.
•   Final devices will be distributed as pilgrims begin their journey.

New Rules for Accommodation

Two major decisions have also been finalised for Haj 2026:
1. Separate rooms for men and women – including married couples. They may stay on the same floor but must occupy different rooms, following stricter Saudi guidelines.
2. Cooking banned – gas cylinders will not be allowed; all meals will be provided through official catering services arranged by the Haj Committee of India.

These decisions were finalised during a meeting of the Haj Committee of India and state representatives in Mumbai.

Haj Suvidha App Launched Earlier

The government launched the Haj Suvidha App in 2024, offering:

•   Training modules
•   Accommodation and flight details
•   Baggage information
•   SOS and translation tools
•   Grievance redressal

Haj 2026 Quota and Key States

•   India’s total Haj quota for 2026: 1,75,025 pilgrims
•   70% (1,25,000) allotted to the Haj Committee of India
•   30% (around 50,000) reserved for Haj Group Organisers

Uttar Pradesh has the largest allocation (around 30,000 seats), though approximately 18,000 pilgrims are expected to go this year. States with high pilgrim numbers include Kerala, Maharashtra and Gujarat.

Dates of Haj 2026

The pilgrimage is scheduled to take place from 24 May to 29 May, 2026 (tentative).
Haj is one of the five pillars of Islam and is mandatory for Muslims who meet the required conditions.

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