Union Minister of Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju on Thursday, 30 April defended a proposed ₹10,000 hike in airfare per Hajj pilgrim, calling it a "minimal increase" necessitated by rising aviation turbine fuel costs amid the West Asia conflict. The clarification directly rebutted All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi, who had accused the Centre of "exploitation" and demanded an immediate rollback.

What Rijiju Said

Rijiju stated that aviation turbine fuel prices have surged globally due to ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia, creating what he described as a "distressing and gloomy" situation for airline operations. He said that airlines had originally demanded an increase of $300–$400 per pilgrim, but through government negotiations, the hike was restricted to just $100 per pilgrim.

Taking to X, Rijiju wrote, "We also can't blame Airlines for the rise in Aviation Turbine Fuel price. Through negotiations, we ensured the increase was restricted to just $100, saving each pilgrim a significant amount." He acknowledged Hajj as a "once-in-a-lifetime dream" for the Muslim community and said the minimal revision was agreed upon to prevent any disruption to Hajj 2026.

Ministry's Position on the Hike

The Ministry of Minority Affairs issued a formal statement describing the "grim realities" of the current geopolitical climate. It clarified that the $100 per pilgrim revision was uniform across all embarkation points and amounted to a saving of $200–$300 per pilgrim compared to what airlines had originally sought.

"This is not exploitation. This is the government absorbing pressure and protecting pilgrims from a far larger burden," the Ministry stated, adding that the decision was taken in good faith to ensure that the planned pilgrimage of one lakh registered pilgrims remains unaffected. It further asserted, "We remain committed to making Hajj accessible and affordable for every Muslim."

Owaisi's Charge and Demands

Earlier on Thursday, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi took strong exception to the ₹10,000 differential airfare circular issued to Hajj pilgrims. Writing on X, Owaisi said, "Are pilgrims being punished for going through the Hajj Committee? This is just exploitation and nothing else. Most pilgrims are not wealthy; they save money for years to afford the Hajj. This is not a luxury for them. The circular must be withdrawn immediately, and the pilgrims must be refunded the money taken from them."

Owaisi urged Rijiju to withdraw the circular that directed Hajj pilgrims to pay the additional amount in view of the crisis in the Gulf region. The demand reflects broader concerns among the Muslim community, many of whom save for years to fund the pilgrimage.

Context and Broader Impact

The dispute arises against the backdrop of sustained conflict in West Asia, which has driven up fuel costs and complicated airline operations on Gulf routes. This is not the first time Hajj airfare logistics have sparked political controversy in India — in past years, debates over subsidies, quota allocations, and airline charges have periodically flared between the Centre and opposition parties.

Notably, the Supreme Court had earlier directed the government to phase out Hajj subsidies, shifting the financial burden progressively onto pilgrims. The current hike, while framed by the government as a cost-containment measure, is landing in that politically sensitive context.

With Hajj 2026 preparations underway for one lakh registered pilgrims, the government's next steps — including whether it absorbs any portion of the increased cost or maintains the revised fare — will determine whether the controversy subsides ahead of the pilgrimage season.