With opposition parties accusing the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) government of charging high airfares for Haj pilgrims flying from Vijayawada, the authorities concerned are embarking on a damage control exercise by taking the issue to the notice of the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
A delegation led by Rajampeta MP PV Midhun Reddy, including Deputy Chief Minister SB Amjath Basha Bepri and State Haj Committee Chairman Ghaus Alam went to New Delhi. He met Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia with a petition to reduce the air fare for Haj pilgrims flying from Vijayawada.
The crux of the dispute is that the airfare from Hyderabad and Bengaluru is much cheaper (around Rs 3.08 lakh), while it is Rs 3.88 lakh for those flying from Vijayawada. The price difference is believed to be a result of variable costs due to the climbing norms, but the pilgrims are in no mood to accept the additional tariff.
Mr. Midhun Reddy explained the reason for the displeasure of the Haj pilgrims to Mr. Scindia.
Meanwhile, Mr. Amjath Basha has announced to the media that the state will bear the additional fare if the Union Civil Aviation Ministry does not consider pleas to reduce air tariffs.