The regressive decision of BJP led Central Government to end #Hajjsubsidy, in spite of its constitutionality having been upheld by the Supreme...

DMK working president M.K. Stalin issued a strongly worded statement on January 17, 2018, condemning the BJP-led central government's regressive decision to terminate the longstanding Hajj pilgrimage subsidy. Stalin noted that the constitutional validity of state facilitation for the Hajj pilgrimage had been upheld by the Supreme Court of India, which recognized that affirmative administrative support for religious minorities aligns with India's composite secular heritage. He emphasized that the sudden withdrawal reflects a discriminatory majoritarian impulse.

Stalin criticized the ruling Union administration for deliberately chipping away at India's pluralist constitutional traditions. He pointed out that secularism represents the foundational cornerstone of the republic, guaranteeing equality, mutual respect, and state accommodation for citizens belonging to all religious persuasions. Systematically targeting welfare protections enjoyed by minority communities, he noted, creates unwarranted societal alienation and fractures communal fraternity across diverse states.

The DMK leader called upon democratic and progressive forces to resist attempts to dilute India's secular identity. He urged the Union government to abandon divisive policies and focus on genuine socio-economic development for all marginalized communities. Stalin affirmed that the DMK will persistently defend minority entitlements, constitutional secularism, and pluralistic harmony. He reiterated the party's inclusive commitment.