Lucknow:Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav today asked Haj pilgrims to pray for the peace and prosperity of the country and the state while on the pilgrimage.

Speaking to pilgrims while seeing off the first batch at the Haj House here, Yadav said that he was extremely happy to come in their midst today and resolved his government's determination to provide best of facilities to the pilgrims.

On the occasion, the chief minister also praised the efforts of Urban Development, Minority Welfare and Haj Minister Azam Khan's efforts in this direction. Also present on the occasion was the president of All India Muslim Personal Maulana Syed Rabe Hasni Nadvi who along with the chief minister flagged off the pilgrims.