Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Wednesday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking his intervention on the issue of sudden cancellation of private Haj quota by Saudi Arabia.
“I am given to understand that there has been a sudden reduction in India’s Haj quota by Saudi Arabia; approximately 52,000 Haj seats earmarked for private Haj tour operators have been cancelled. This abrupt decision has left many pilgrims, who have already completed payments, in a state of deep anxiety and uncertainty,” Mr. Stalin said in his letter.
The cancellation was causing significant distress among thousands of Indian Muslim pilgrims, including many from Tamil Nadu, who were eagerly preparing for the pilgrimage, he noted.
“Considering the gravity of this situation, I request that the matter maybe taken up with the authorities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia urgently. I am sure that your intervention will restore the Haj quota, and provide reassurance to the pilgrims and their families,” he said.
In January 2025, India signed a bilateral agreement with Saudi Arabia, finalising a quota of 1,75,025 pilgrims. The quota was divided in the ratio of 70:30 among State Haj committees and private Haj tour operators. Accordingly, the State Haj committees were allotted 1,22,517 seats, while private Haj operators were allocated 52,507 seats for Haj 2025, Mr. Stalin noted.
Published - April 16, 2025 09:04 pm IST
