Azam Khan asks Centre to restore Haj quota

“The original quota was decided in March as per an agreement between the two countries. Any change will deprive people of their chance to perform haj. It’ll be a huge setback and they may resort to agitation,” Khan said. He also said that since 25 per cent of the haj pilgrims are from UP,it will be the most affected state.

UP’s quota is 33,111 pilrgims. From this 31,960 persons have deposited Rs 76,000 as the first instalment of the haj expenses. “Now if you tell them they are not in the list,they’ll be on roads and we’ll be held responsible without any fault,” he said.

Municipal Commissioner removed

Urban Development Minister Azam Khan ordered removal of Agra Municipal Commissioner D K Singh on the complaint of local BJP mayor Indrajit Valmiki who alleged in a meeting on Friday that Singh had not been responding to his phone calls because he was “Valmiki”,a Scheduled Caste.

An official statement said the minister ordered removal of Singh because he had spoken to the mayor in an indecent manner in the meeting.

“I told the minister that Singh was avoiding to talk to me probably because I am a Valmiki. I welcome minister’s move who took the decision in the matter rising above the party lines,” the mayor said. D K Singh was not available for comment.