Chief Minister K Rosaiah on Friday visited the Haj House to flag off the 14th batch of Haj pilgrims from the Haj Camp at Nampally.
Before the flagging off ceremony, Rosaiah addressed the gathering of Congress workers and Haj volunteers, who had occupied the chairs meant for the Hajis. The Hajis, meant to be present at the function held in the cellar of the Haj House, were unfortunately stopped at the ground floor of the building by the Haj house security personnel.
Rosaiah had arrived at the Haj House as part of his responsibility as the Head of Government to flag off the Hajis on their annual pilgrimage.
The CM was not informed that the speech he was talking to the volunteers and Congress workers, instead of the Hajis. He went on to bid them bon voyage.
Rosaiah also pointed out to them that the government was providing facilities to Haj pilgrims at the Haj house and the airport.
The CM reiterated that Islam was a religion of peace and brotherhood.
Rosaiah also told the gathering that the State government was implementing many schemes for the welfare of the Muslim community.
The CM flagged off the bus meant for the Hajis among a throng of people, boarded his car and was whisked away. Little did he know that the Hajis were still held back at the first floor of the Haj house.
Minister For Minority Welfare Mohammed Ahmedullah reminded the gathering that he had personally visited Saudi Arabia to oversee the arrangements for the Haj pilgrims. Ahmedullah thanked Rosaiah for sanctioning liberal funds for the Haj committee and said that the Chief Minster had approved all proposals for the welfare of the Muslim community. The minister further appealed to the Chief Minister to sanction an additional Rs. 50 lakh for the Haj committee.
Former minister Mohammed Ali Shabbir said that the Chief Minister had sanctioned the first ever Women's Medical College for Muslims in the country.
Former minister Mohammed Fareeduddin, MLA Virasat Rasool Khan, Chairman AP State Wakf Borad Moulana Ghulam Afzal Biyabani Khusro Pasha, Member State Haj committee Mufti Sadeq Mohiuddin were also present.
Chairman of the Haj Committee Moulana Syed Khaleeluddin Ahmed highlighted the activities of the Haj committee.