The Tamil Nadu Assembly debate over the ruling TVK government’s decision to scrap the proposed Parandur airport project took an unexpected turn on Wednesday, with the discussion descending into a political exchange over the alleged influence of two prominent “sons-in-law”.
Law Minister Nirmal Kumar, defending the government’s decision to abandon the Parandur project, alleged that the previous DMK government had promoted the airport proposal in a manner that could benefit individuals who had invested their “black money” around the proposed site.
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In an apparent reference to Sabareesan, the son-in-law of DMK president and Chief Minister MK Stalin, Kumar used the phrase “G Square Mapillai”. The remark, which alluded to real estate interests associated with the area, triggered strong protests from the DMK benches.
Former Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu responded sharply to the allegation. He said that if the government was now considering an alternative location for the airport, he could similarly question whether the decision was intended to benefit the “Lottery Mapillai”.
The remark was understood as a reference to PWD Minister Aadhaav Arjuna, whose wife Daisy is the daughter of lottery businessman Santiago Martin.
The exchange turned the Assembly discussion on the future of Tamil Nadu’s airport infrastructure into a politically charged confrontation, with both sides trading indirect references to influential family connections.
The controversy comes amid the state government’s decision to drop the proposed Parandur airport project and consider alternatives for expanding aviation infrastructure in the region.
(This story is published from a syndicated feed)
