The Parandur airport decision has triggered a major political confrontation in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, a day after Chief Minister Vijay announced that the proposed greenfield airport would be scrapped. The TVK government defended the move, citing incomplete land acquisition and alleging that the previous DMK government proceeded without key environmental and other approvals. The government insists Chennai still needs a second airport but wants an alternative site with less impact on agricultural land and livelihoods, while also exploring expansion of the existing Chennai airport. The DMK has accused the Vijay government of a political U-turn and warned of the economic and infrastructure costs of abandoning the project. The Opposition and its allies walked out of the Assembly, turning the Parandur debate into a larger battle over development, livelihoods and policy continuity.
