P.R. Natarajan, former Coimbatore MP, criticizes BJP MLA Vanathi Srinivasan's request to relax conditions for handing over land acquired for Coimbatore airport expansion, warning against potential privatization.
Coimbatore: Former Coimbatore MP P.R. Natarajan has strongly condemned BJP MLA Vanathi Srinivasan's request to hand over land acquired for Coimbatore airport expansion to the Airport Authority without any conditions.
In a statement, the former CPI(M) MP said that Coimbatore International Airport is growing as the second-largest airport in Tamil Nadu after Chennai. He mentioned that they have been urging for the airport's expansion to accommodate more international flights for a long time.
Natarajan stated that the Tamil Nadu government, led by Chief Minister Stalin, has acquired land worth Rs. 2,100 crore for the airport expansion. The state government plans to hand over these lands to the Airport Authority of India (AAI) under the central government, with a condition that the expanded areas should not be privatized in the future. However, the AAI is pressuring to relax this condition.
The former MP pointed out that the Modi-led BJP government has already privatized seven airports and is making arrangements to sell 16 more. He cited the example of Thiruvananthapuram airport, which was sold to the Adani Group despite the Kerala government's offer to run it. This resulted in a significant increase in parking fees, commercial rents, and other charges, affecting air passengers.
Natarajan emphasized that the land for Coimbatore airport expansion was acquired from ordinary citizens who sold their properties at rates much lower than the market value. He insisted that the Tamil Nadu government should stand firm on its condition to prevent privatization.
The CPI(M) leader expressed disappointment that Vanathi Srinivasan, instead of addressing issues like housing for the people of Ukkadam area or compensation for farmers who gave land to Bharathiar University, acted as a messenger for corporate entities like Adani. He warned that relaxing the conditions could lead to the privatization of Coimbatore airport in the future.
Natarajan strongly criticized the BJP for speaking on behalf of large corporate companies instead of representing the people's interests. He urged the DMK government to remain firm in its decision and not yield to such pressures.
In a statement, the former CPI(M) MP said that Coimbatore International Airport is growing as the second-largest airport in Tamil Nadu after Chennai. He mentioned that they have been urging for the airport's expansion to accommodate more international flights for a long time.
Natarajan stated that the Tamil Nadu government, led by Chief Minister Stalin, has acquired land worth Rs. 2,100 crore for the airport expansion. The state government plans to hand over these lands to the Airport Authority of India (AAI) under the central government, with a condition that the expanded areas should not be privatized in the future. However, the AAI is pressuring to relax this condition.
The former MP pointed out that the Modi-led BJP government has already privatized seven airports and is making arrangements to sell 16 more. He cited the example of Thiruvananthapuram airport, which was sold to the Adani Group despite the Kerala government's offer to run it. This resulted in a significant increase in parking fees, commercial rents, and other charges, affecting air passengers.
Natarajan emphasized that the land for Coimbatore airport expansion was acquired from ordinary citizens who sold their properties at rates much lower than the market value. He insisted that the Tamil Nadu government should stand firm on its condition to prevent privatization.
The CPI(M) leader expressed disappointment that Vanathi Srinivasan, instead of addressing issues like housing for the people of Ukkadam area or compensation for farmers who gave land to Bharathiar University, acted as a messenger for corporate entities like Adani. He warned that relaxing the conditions could lead to the privatization of Coimbatore airport in the future.
Natarajan strongly criticized the BJP for speaking on behalf of large corporate companies instead of representing the people's interests. He urged the DMK government to remain firm in its decision and not yield to such pressures.