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Stalin seeks PM Narendra Modi’s intervention as Saudi Arabia cancels 52,000 private Hajj seats

New Delhi: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin wrote to PM Narendra Modi to look into the matter of cancellation of Private Hajj quota. He urged the PM to discuss the matter with the Gulf authorities and seek a quick resolution of the issue. In a letter, the Tamil Nadu leader said that this sudden cancellation of the Hajj quota had caused distress among thousands of Muslims in India, who were eagerly waiting to go for Hajj pilgrimage, this year.

A leading daily quoted the CM as saying, “I am given to understand that there has been a sudden reduction in India’s Hajj quota by Saudi Arabia; approximately 52,000 Hajj seats earmarked for private Hajj 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.”

Stalin termed the entire issue as a “matter of urgent concern”. He added that the situation is “causing significant distress among thousands of Indian Muslim pilgrims, including many from Tamil Nadu, who are eagerly preparing for the upcoming Hajj pilgrimage”.

He requested the PM to take up the issue with Saudi Arabia and seek immediate resolution. Stalin said that he was sure that the PM’s intervention would restore the Hajj quota, and provide reassurance to the pilgrims and their families.

The DMK leader recalled that in January 2025, the Indian government had signed a bilateral treaty with Saudi Arabia which finalised a quota of 1,75,025 pilgrims for Haj 2025. This quota was in the 70:30 ratio between State Hajj Committees and private Hajj operators. So 1,22,517 seats were allocated to State Hajj committees and the private operators got 52,507 seats.

But Saudi Arabia reduced the private Hajj quota for India, which affected 52,000 pilgrims. The reduction was 80 by 80 per cent, said Stalin. The reason given for reduction was changes in Saudi Arabia’s Hajj policies and the tightening of rules for private operators. Earlier the Indian government had said that private operators had failed to comply with the necessary timelines set by the Saudi authorities despite reminders, leading to the cancellation.

However, in a ray of hope, on India’s request, Saudi Arabia has decided to reopen the Hajj Portal for private Combined Hajj Group Operators. This will be beneficial for 10,000 Indian pilgrims.