By TCN Special Correspondent,
Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav announced to write a letter to the central government seeking increase in Haj quota for the state. He was inaugurating the Qurrah (lottery) for Haj pilgrimage at Lucknow on Tuesday.
“We will request the Union government to increase the state quota for the Haj. If all goes well, we can adjust more people in this year,” said Akhilesh.
The CM also promised that the Haj House in Ghaziabad would be completed within a year’s time. The Haj House in Ghaizabad was conceived during previous Mulayam Singh regime. However with BSP regime, it was shelved and no development took place. Akhilesh also assured that another Haj house will come up soon at Varanasi. Presently government is looking suitable land for the Haj house in Varanasi. Akhilesh also announced that Haj house in Lucknow will be beautified.
These assurances came after cabinet minister and chairman UP State Haj Committee, Azam Khan while presiding over the function, put up the demands.
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Azam Khan during his presidential address wished the pilgrims who were finally selected. He also advised those not selected not to feel disappointed for not featuring in the final list. Showering praises on CM Akhilesh Yadav, Khan said that Muslims, neglected for ages in the country, have found a new ray of hope in the young CM.
“We need to have some patience. We will see that all the promised made would be fulfilled with time,” he added.
The fate of 25, 359 intended Haj pilgrims was decided during the draw of lots. In all 37,000 people from across the state had applied the annual pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina-two most sacred cities in Islam- in Saudi Arabia. Last year 51,000 people had applied for the same for a quota of 25, 532. The pilgrims will leave for the journey four months from now.