Restricted hike to ensure seamless operation of Hajj: Rijiju rejects Owaisi’s ‘exploitation’ charge​

New Delhi, April 30 (SocialNews.XYZ) Union Ministry of Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju on Thursday sought to pacify the Hajj pilgrims, upset over the proposed Rs 10,000 hike in airfare, by explaining the ‘distressing and gloomy’ situation for airline operations in general, in light of the West Asia war and informed that the “minimal increase” was being put in place to ensure smooth and comfortable operation of Hajj 2026.​

His clarification over the Rs 10,000 spike in airfares per pilgrim comes as a rebuttal to AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi’s charge, who accused the Centre of exploitation and demanded immediate rollback of the decision.​

Kiren Rijiju said that aviation turbine fuel prices have jacked up globally due to ongoing geopolitical tensions, and that it was at the government's insistence that airlines agreed to a $100 increase, despite demands for a steep rise of $300–$400 per pilgrim.​

Taking to X handle, he wrote, “We also can't blame Airlines for the rise in Aviation Turbine Fuel price. Through negotiations, we ensured the increase was restricted to just $100, saving each pilgrim a significant amount.”​

Acknowledging Hajj as a once-in-a-lifetime dream and opportunity for the Muslim community, the Union Minister said that the decision for a ‘minimal hike’ was agreed upon to ensure that Hajj 2026 doesn’t face any disruptions.​

Earlier, AIMIM chief took strong exception to the introduction of a Rs 10,000 differential airfare for every pilgrim and urged the Minority Affairs minister to withdraw the circular that asked Hajj pilgrims to pay an additional Rs 10,000 in view of the crisis in the Gulf region.​

“Are pilgrims being punished for going through the Hajj Committee? This is just exploitation and nothing else. Most pilgrims are not wealthy; they save money for years to afford the Hajj. This is not a luxury for them. The circular must be withdrawn immediately, and the pilgrims must be refunded the money taken from them,” Owaisi asked on X earlier in the day.​

The Ministry of Minority Affairs also sought to address the grievances of pilgrims by highlighting “grim realities” of the current times and stated that this decision will only add to the savings of pilgrims.​

“The Union Ministry approved a one-time revision of only USD $100 per pilgrim, irrespective of embarkation point — a saving of $200–$300 per pilgrim compared to what airlines originally sought. This is not exploitation. This is the government absorbing pressure and protecting pilgrims from a far larger burden,” it said while asserting that the decision was taken in good faith to ensure that the planned pilgrimage of one lakh registered pilgrims doesn’t get affected or disrupted in between.​

“We remain committed to making Hajj accessible and affordable for every Muslim,” it added.​

Source: IANS