DMK president M.K. Stalin on Saturday termed the decision to drop the proposed Parandur international airport project a “big disappointment”, accusing the state government of hurting Tamil Nadu’s long-term development.
In a statement, Stalin said the Chief Minister’s announcement that the project would be abandoned could push the state’s growth back by several years. He argued that shelving the plan for what he called “petty political reasons” would be detrimental to the public interest.
Stalin also objected to the manner in which the decision was communicated, saying it was announced under Rule 110 without room for discussion or views to be recorded. He stressed that Chennai, as the capital of a state that leads in sectors such as electronics exports and automobiles, needs a world-class airport.
According to him, Parandur was chosen only after alternative locations were examined, and land acquisition was nearing completion with multiple stages and approvals already in place. He warned that restarting the process by selecting another site would delay development, affect investor confidence, and impact employment prospects for the state’s youth.
He further said that economic targets such as reaching a trillion-dollar economy would not be achievable without industrial growth, and claimed the decision would benefit competing states.
