Congress to ensure fool-proof Haj arrangements for Telangana pilgrims, says Shabbir Ali
Hyderabad: The Congress government will ensure fool-proof Haj arrangements for pilgrims from Telangana, both during their journey and at the holy sites in Mecca and Madinah, said government advisor Mohammed Ali Shabbir on Tuesday.
He was addressing a special Haj training camp held at the Nizam Palace Function Hall on Bodhan Road, Nizamabad, for the 426 pilgrims selected for Haj 2026 from the united Nizamabad district. The session, organised by the Nizamabad District Haj Society, included 382 pilgrims from Nizamabad and 84 from Kamareddy.
Religious scholars guided the pilgrims on key rituals, safety protocols, travel procedures, and accommodation norms. The session also covered common challenges and practical solutions. Separate seating and special guidance were arranged for women.
Pilgrims were encouraged to interact directly with the scholars and organisers. “Every pilgrim from Telangana will be fully supported, from departure to return,” said Shabbir Ali. “Special services will also be provided for Telangana pilgrims in Mecca and Madinah.”
He shared a personal anecdote about performing sajda on all four sides inside the Kaaba. He advised pilgrims to minimise distractions, particularly mobile phone use, and spend more time in prayers.
Shabbir Ali announced that Hyderabad will serve as the embarkation point for pilgrims from 17 states. Out of Telangana’s 11,757 quota, 8,286 applications have been cleared. He also noted that the Telangana Haj Committee has won national awards for its services.
Telangana State Haj Committee Chairman Syed Gulam Afzal Biabani extended his wishes to the pilgrims. District officials, committee members, and local leaders were also present.
Skill development, water supply projects launched in Nizamabad
Fool-proof Haj arrangements were not the only focus of Shabbir Ali’s visit to Nizamabad. The Congress leader also inaugurated several development projects aimed at women’s empowerment and civic infrastructure.
At a function held by the Institute of Bait-ul-Maal, he launched a free skill training programme for educated unemployed women. The initiative offers training in computers, tailoring, mehendi design, and beautician courses. The government has sanctioned ₹10 lakh for road work and ₹25 lakh for the training centre’s first floor. Shabbir Ali personally donated ₹2 lakh.
“The 4% minority reservation produced hundreds of doctors and engineers. Now, we want women to achieve financial independence through skills,” he said.
He later laid the foundation stone for a ₹6.5 crore drinking water supply project to address chronic water shortages. Speaking at the ceremony in Auto Nagar, he said, “Clean drinking water is a basic right. This project will end water scarcity, even during summer.”
The project involves the construction of three tanks:
- A ₹2.5 crore tank with 16-lakh-litre capacity at Auto Nagar;
- A ₹1.5 crore, 9-lakh-litre tank at Sylani Nagar;
- A ₹1.5 crore, 9-lakh-litre tank near Madina Eidgah.
He stressed the need for forward-looking urban infrastructure planning due to Nizamabad’s rapid growth. “Development is our responsibility. Roads, drainage, electricity, and water — nothing will be neglected,” he said.
Shabbir Ali also inaugurated a newly built Eidgah at Old Eidgah–Bodhan Road, developed at a cost of ₹10 lakh. The space is equipped to host thousands during major festivals.
Calling the Eidgah “a symbol of unity and social harmony,” he reaffirmed the Congress government’s commitment to enhancing minority infrastructure and preserving cultural heritage. Local officials and community leaders participated in all events and welcomed the state’s support.