Hyderabad: Congress senior leader Arham Adil on Thursday opposed the Hajj cost hike of ₹10,000 imposed on pilgrims for Hajj 2026 and demanded its immediate rollback.
He described the decision of the Haj Committee of India as unjust and exploitative. He said the Hajj cost hike would hit ordinary pilgrims, especially those from modest backgrounds.
Adil said many families save money for years to undertake the pilgrimage. They plan expenses carefully and deposit funds in advance. However, the sudden Hajj cost hike left them with little room to adjust finances.
Hajj cost hike raises burden on pilgrims
The Haj Committee directed selected pilgrims to deposit the additional ₹10,000 by May 15. Authorities linked the Hajj cost hike to rising global oil prices. Ongoing geopolitical tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran triggered these increases. As a result, airfare, transport, and logistics costs rose.
This year, 1,75,025 pilgrims from India are scheduled to perform Hajj. Therefore, the added ₹10,000 per pilgrim pushed the total burden beyond ₹175 crore.
Adil said the issue also involved the way authorities implemented the decision. He noted that officials did not warn pilgrims about possible revisions during initial payments. Now, they face extra charges close to departure.
He demanded a detailed explanation for the cost hike, including a clear cost breakdown. He also urged authorities to explore alternative measures instead of shifting the entire burden onto pilgrims.
Describing Hajj as a significant religious duty, Adil said authorities should not treat it as a commercial activity. He warned that sudden charges could distress pilgrims and their families.
He further urged the Union government to intervene. He asked it to review the Hajj cost hike and ensure global market changes do not burden pilgrims.