Chief Minister seeks extra Hajj seats for Tamil Nadu pilgrims

In his letter, the CM said: “For the year 2019, the Government of India has allotted 3,534 seats for people from Tamil Nadu to perform Hajj.

However, the Tamil Nadu State Hajj Committee has already received 6,379 applications this year.”

“I request you to instruct the Ministry of Minority Affairs to allocate 1,500 additional seats over and above the quota allotted to Tamil Nadu for the benefit of pilgrims intending to perform Hajj.”

He recalled last year’s instance when the Centre had initially allotted 3,542 seats for pilgrims from Tamil Nadu to perform Hajj. However, based on a request, it was increased to 3,816, the CM added.

Meanwhile, Abu Baker, Chairman, All India Hajj Association, thanked Palaniswami for his demand seeking increase in the seat allocation to Tamil Nadu. In a statement, he said: “Hajj pilgrimage is one of the important duties of Muslims in their life. Palaniswami by demanding additional seats for Hajj pilgrimage has showed his interest in promoting the welfare of minorities.”