Declare Bhubaneswar as Embarkation Point for Haj Pilgrims: Rabindra Jena

Balasore MP Rabindra Kumar Jena met External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and requested her to declare the Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar as the embarkment points for the Haj pilgrims of Odisha.

He told the EAM that around 600 people from Odisha travel to Haj every year, but they have no option but to go to Kolkata and then take the flight from there. As people from all over Odisha go for Haj, it would be more convenient for them if Bhubaneswar is declared as one of embarkment points in the region, said Rabindra Jena.

The BJD MP also requested Sushma Swaraj to increase the quota on Haj Pilgrims from Odisha, as there is a consistent shortfall in allocation against the application from the state. Sushma Swaraj has reportedly assured Mr. Jena to look into the matter positively.