Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has raised concerns over Saudi Arabia’s recent decision to cancel the private Haj quota, urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take up the matter with Saudi officials at the earliest. The move, which affects thousands of Muslim pilgrims from India, has sparked a political controversy, particularly in Tamil Nadu, where many people rely on the private Haj quota to perform the religious pilgrimage.
In a letter to Prime Minister Modi, Stalin expressed his strong displeasure over the development and highlighted the adverse impact on pilgrims, especially from Tamil Nadu. He stated that the decision has left many pilgrims, who were preparing to travel for Haj through private agencies, in a state of uncertainty. "The private Haj quota has been a vital lifeline for many Muslims in Tamil Nadu, who depend on it for a smooth and timely pilgrimage. The sudden cancellation of this quota has caused immense distress," Stalin wrote.
The Chief Minister also pointed out that the private Haj quota system was instrumental in facilitating a seamless and organized travel process for pilgrims, enabling them to avoid long waiting periods and overcrowded government-managed quotas. He appealed to the central government to urgently take up the issue with Saudi Arabia and ensure that the private Haj quota system is restored, or an alternative arrangement is made for affected pilgrims.
The controversy surrounding the private Haj quota stems from the Saudi government's recent policy change, which has reduced the overall number of Haj pilgrims allowed from India. This has led to a cutback in the allocation of quotas for private agencies, traditionally seen as a more efficient and comfortable way for pilgrims to travel. Several religious leaders and political figures have criticized the move, accusing the government of neglecting the needs of the Muslim community.
Stalin’s intervention has drawn attention from various quarters, with many urging both the state and central governments to come together to resolve the issue. The Haj pilgrimage, one of the five pillars of Islam, holds immense religious significance for Muslims, and this year’s changes have left many prospective pilgrims facing uncertainty.
The Ministry of External Affairs has not yet commented on the matter, but diplomatic discussions are expected as the deadline for Haj preparations approaches. The Tamil Nadu government, under Stalin’s leadership, has vowed to continue advocating for the rights of its Muslim citizens and ensure that they are not deprived of the opportunity to perform the Haj pilgrimage.
