Parandur airport: TVK, DMK in war of words over 'G Square Maapilai'

A war of words erupted between the ruling TVK and opposition DMK in the Tamil Nadu Assembly over the scrapped Parandur airport. The TVK alleged land deals benefited a 'G Square Maapilai', while the DMK hit back with its own sharp comments.

War of words in Assembly over scrapped airport

A war of words broke out between the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) and Opposition Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) members in the Tamil Nadu Assembly on Tuesday over the decision to scrap the proposed Parandur airport project.

'G Square Maapilai' Jibe Sparks Row

Law Minister Nirmal Kumar referred to "G Square Maapilai" while speaking about those who benefited from the Parandur airport project. PWD Minister Aadhav Arjuna alleged that realtors linked to a particular political party bought huge parcels of land even before the Parandur airport Detailed Project Report (DPR) was released. He further alleged that a particular company had purchased land around Parandur and was involved in real estate activities.

DMK MLA Thangam Thennarasu asked, "For which Lottery son-in-law is the new airport project being developed," censuring Nirmal Kumar's speech. "We can also pay back in the same currency," he said.

Responding to AIADMK MLA Edappadi Palaniswami on what will be done to lands acquired for the project, Law Minister Nirmal Kumar said only 1700 odd acres have been acquired for the Parandur airport project, and the 90% claim of DMK MLA Thangam Thennarasu is false.

CM scraps project, cites environmental concerns

The verbal clash comes amid a political controversy over the Tamil Nadu government's decision to abandon the proposed Greenfield International Airport at Parandur in Kancheepuram district. Chief Minister Joseph Vijay on Monday announced in the Assembly under Rule 110 that the project would be scrapped and an alternative site identified.

The Chief Minister cited environmental concerns, the impact on agricultural land and the possible loss of local livelihoods as reasons for shifting the project. Vijay had said that while a second airport was necessary to meet Chennai's long-term passenger, industrial and cargo requirements, the project should not come at the expense of local communities. "I stand firmly with the people protesting against the airport to be established in Chennai's Parandur and 12 surrounding villages," Vijay had said.

The Chief Minister had earlier visited Eganapuram and other villages on January 20, 2025, and met residents protesting against the proposed airport.

Meanwhile, the Tamil Nadu government has planned to establish a new international airport near Chennai to meet rising passenger and cargo traffic demand. Alternative locations will be identified in consultation with experts, and the Airports Authority of India (AAI) will conduct feasibility studies for the shortlisted sites.

The Civil Aviation Ministry had granted in-principle approval in April 2025 for setting up an international Greenfield Airport at Parandur.

Opposition calls decision a 'setback'

The decision to scrap the Parandur project has drawn criticism from the opposition, with DMK president and former Chief Minister MK Stalin describing it as an "irreversible setback" to Tamil Nadu's growth. (ANI)

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