THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The KPCC leadership has demanded the Central government to revoke its decision on withdrawing Haj subsidy to the pilgrims. KPCC president M. M. Hassan alleged that the latest move by the minorities department revealed their vengea-nce towards the minorities.
"Under no circumstances can the government's decision be defended. They should revoke their decision and restore Haj subsidy to the pilgrims", said Hassan.
Former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy called the decision unfortunate.
"Haj subsidy was a historical decision where the pilgrims were given discounted air fare and other non fare related expenses once they reached Saudi Arabia. The latest decision by the BJP Government is unfortunate and will only help to destroy the secular nature of the country," he said
Opposition Leader Ramesh Chennithala said the Centre was hasty in cancelling the Haj subsidy when there were four more years to phase it out as per Supreme Court order.
"The Central government has a certain agenda for coming up with the decision. This at a time when no steps have been taken to curb the fleecing of pilgrims by the airline companies", said the leader of opposition.
Former KPCC president V. M. Sudheeran said that the decision shows the anti-secular face of the BJP-led Central Government. Mr Sudheeran has demanded to take stakeholders in to confidence and also called for a detailed discussion with the Muslim organisations at the earliest.
