Tamil Nadu Leaders Voice Strong Opposition to Centre's Hosur Airport Decision
Political leaders from Tamil Nadu have launched sharp criticism against the Union government following its rejection of the proposed Hosur airport project. DMK and Congress representatives have accused the central administration of disregarding the state's economic interests and undermining federal principles.
State Minister Expresses Confidence in Project's Future
State Industries Minister T R B Raaja addressed the issue on Monday, expressing his continued confidence in the project's viability. "I remain confident that the Government of India and the Prime Minister's Office will recognize the true value of an airport in Hosur," he stated firmly. "They will understand its strategic importance for the economic well-being of this entire region."
The minister emphasized that technical representations had been thoroughly prepared and submitted. "We have consistently engaged with all stakeholders," Raaja explained. "Our detailed technical submissions clearly demonstrate that the proposed Hosur airport will not substantially impede HAL or IAF operations."
Raaja pointed to successful precedents across India. "Several civil airports operate successfully within controlled and restricted airspaces throughout our country," he noted. "Flexible use of airspace and coordinated civil-defense protocols have worked effectively elsewhere. They can certainly work here too, provided Delhi demonstrates the willingness to make it happen."
DMK MP Questions Commercial Agreements
DMK Member of Parliament P Wilson took to social media platform X to voice his concerns. He accused the BJP government of rejecting the project "without meaningful consultation, convincing justification, or regard for the legitimate aspirations of Tamil Nadu's people and economy."
Wilson recalled Chief Minister M K Stalin's announcement in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, stressing that the airport proposal represented "not a casual demand but a strategic development vision." The Union Defence Ministry rejected permission based on an agreement between Bangalore International Airport Ltd and the Ministry of Civil Aviation prohibiting airports within 150 kilometers of Bengaluru airport.
"I have written to the civil aviation minister questioning this arrangement," Wilson revealed. "How can the Union government enter into commercial agreements with private entities that sacrifice Tamil Nadu's rights without obtaining consent from the state or its people?"
Congress Leader Raises Federalism Concerns
Congress leader Manickam Tagore leveled serious allegations against the central government. "Projects for Tamil Nadu face continuous rejection by the BJP," he charged. "Earlier, the Madurai and Coimbatore metro rail projects were rejected. Now the Hosur airport project faces the same fate. We are not seeking special privileges. We are demanding only our rightful due."
Tagore posed a pointed question about federal principles. "Is federalism merely a topic for speeches rather than a practice in action?" he asked, highlighting growing frustration among state leaders.
BJP State President Offers Different Perspective
BJP State President Nainar Nagenthran refuted the opposition's charges, offering a contrasting interpretation of events. "The project has not been shelved," he clarified. "The centre did not reject the project entirely. They have only sought additional explanations and clarifications regarding certain aspects."
This statement from the BJP representative suggests the possibility of continued dialogue, though opposition leaders remain skeptical about the central government's intentions toward Tamil Nadu's development projects.
The controversy highlights ongoing tensions between the state and central governments regarding infrastructure development. Political observers note this dispute reflects broader debates about federalism, regional development priorities, and the balance between national security concerns and economic growth imperatives.
