WATCH| MK Party Defends Jacob Zuma After He Is Seen With Ajay Gupta During India Visit

Former president Jacob Zuma has come under renewed scrutiny after he was photographed alongside Ajay Gupta at a Hindu temple in Haridwar, India, during what the MK Party has described as a private religious visit.

The images have reignited debate over Zuma’s longstanding relationship with the Gupta family, with Ajay Gupta remaining wanted by South African authorities in connection with the State Capture scandal.

Jacob Zuma’s India Visit Sparks Fresh Gupta Questions

Zuma travelled to the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand in late June, where he visited the Siddhpeeth Shri Dakshin Kali Mandir in Haridwar.

According to Indian media, he was accompanied by Ajay Gupta, who was identified as a disciple of the temple’s ashram, as well as South Africa’s High Commissioner to India, Professor Anil Sooklal. Ajay Gupta’s appearance has drawn attention because he remains a fugitive from South African authorities.

Speaking to Indian news agency ANI, spiritual leader Niranjani Akhara Mahamandaleshwar Swami Kailashanand Giri said it was Zuma’s first visit to Haridwar.

He said the former president travelled from Delhi to Saharanpur before visiting the temple to receive blessings.

During the visit, Zuma also spoke about politics, expressing confidence that he would return to power in future elections.

He told reporters that he believed he would win because “the people of God” had continued to support him. Zuma also reflected on his removal from office, saying he was pleased to be visiting India “at the right time”.

Former President Zuma jets off to India to meet his “boss” Ajay Gupta at a temple built on 108 human skulls. Is he really sourcing dark magic to take back South Africa? 🧙‍♂️🇿🇦

This is either the wildest conspiracy theory yet or state capture just got a supernatural upgrade. 💀… pic.twitter.com/FfXomTMmx1

— Justice Mlati (@JusticeMlati) July 1, 2026

MK Party Defends Jacob Zuma Over Ajay Gupta Meeting

Responding to questions, MK Party spokesperson Sifiso Mahlangu did not dispute that Zuma and Ajay Gupta were at the same religious gathering.

However, he rejected suggestions that the meeting weakened South Africa’s efforts to hold members of the Gupta family accountable.

“President Jacob Zuma is a private citizen and is entitled to travel wherever he chooses. His visit to India is not unprecedented. He has attended this annual event for many years, dating back to around 2012, and has a longstanding relationship with Priest Abhinav Ungamuthu,” he said.

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Mahlangu argued that Zuma was being treated differently from other public figures, pointing to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s meeting with Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo, South Africa’s engagement with Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and Sudanese Rapid Support Forces leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, as well as visits by South Africans, including Members of Parliament, to fugitive preacher Shepherd Bushiri in Malawi.

Addressing Ajay Gupta’s attendance at the religious event, Mahlangu said: “If a member of the Gupta family attended a religious event where two other former Heads of State were attending, it is not the problem of uMkhonto weSizwe Party.”

He also criticised the Zondo Commission of Inquiry into State Capture, saying it had cost taxpayers billions without securing convictions against Zuma or the Gupta family.

“Zuma is not undermining anything. But he is not a prisoner and is free to attend any religious gathering of his choice,” Mahlangu said.

Ajay Gupta Appearance Renews Focus On Extradition Efforts

Ajay Gupta’s public appearance has once again raised questions about his whereabouts, which have remained largely unknown to South African authorities in recent years.

Unlike his brothers, Atul and Rajesh Gupta, who were arrested in the United Arab Emirates in 2022, Ajay has largely stayed out of public view while extradition efforts against his brothers have continued.

South Africa’s attempts to extradite Atul and Rajesh Gupta have faced repeated legal setbacks. In 2023, the Dubai Court of Appeal dismissed the country’s extradition request after ruling that it did not meet the treaty’s documentation requirements.

A renewed bid also failed in late 2024 because of jurisdictional issues, prompting the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) to prepare another application.

The latest images have also prompted questions about whether South African authorities were aware of Ajay Gupta’s location after he was seen at the religious gathering alongside South Africa’s High Commissioner to India.