The Telangana BJP Minority Morcha complimented Union Minister for Minority Affairs Mukthar Abbas Naqvi for the decision reached between the Indian government and the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in connection with facilitating pilgrims from India for the Haj.
BJP Minority Morcha leader and state executive member Haneef Ali said that it was very helpful that the two governments had taken a joint decision to open the sea route which had been closed in 1995 during the then-Congress regime.
He said that the agreement would reduce the journey time from Mumbai to Jeddah considerably, and thus the cost of travel, too.
He also congratulated Naqvi for getting the Haj pilgrim quota for India increased by 5,000 additional seats, and for providing separate accommodation for 1,300 women pilgrims planning to go to the Haj without mehram (close family escorts) with the separate assistance of lady-volunteers.
He further appreciated the Modi government for taking a bold step towards making women independent in independent India by facilitating their going for the Haj without the assistance of their mehram. He said that such measures were proof that the BJP government under Prime Minister Modi's leadership was committed to the welfare of minorities.