Thank you Hon'ble @naqvimukhtar for your assurance that Chennai will be considered as an Embarkation point for Haj from 2023 onwards. I request...

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin expressed his appreciation to Union Minister for Minority Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi following an assurance that Chennai will be considered as an official embarkation point for the annual Haj pilgrimage starting from 2023. The Chief Minister had consistently raised this demand with the Union Government, pointing out the immense difficulties faced by thousands of pilgrims from Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and neighboring southern regions who were compelled to travel to Kochi or Bengaluru to board flights.

Stalin urged the Union Ministry to establish Chennai as a permanent, designated embarkation hub under all circumstances going forward. He emphasized that restoring Chennai airport as a direct departure center fulfills a long-standing aspiration of the Muslim community in Tamil Nadu. The absence of direct flights had imposed heavy financial and logistical burdens on elderly pilgrims and their families.

The Chief Minister underscored that the state government stands firmly committed to supporting minority welfare and ensuring smooth travel arrangements for religious pilgrims. He reiterated that federal administrative decisions must remain sensitive to regional needs and public convenience across all southern states.