Chennai: A debate over Chennai’s proposed second airport took an unexpected turn in the Tamil Nadu Assembly when a discussion on land, water and development became a sharp political fight involving the “sons-in-law” of rival political leaders.
The controversy began during a debate over the government’s decision to drop the proposed Parandur airport project. Instead of remaining focused on the airport, ministers traded personal political attacks involving prominent family connections.
Minister attacks rivals over ‘son-in-law’
Tamil Nadu Energy and Law Minister R Nirmal Kumar accused those opposing the government’s stand on the airport project of having vested interests.
During his speech, he referred to V Sabareesan, the son-in-law of former Chief Minister M K Stalin, while making allegations linked to real estate interests and the G Square group.
His remarks quickly drew a response from the Opposition benches.
DMK hits back with another ‘son-in-law’
Senior DMK leader Thangam Thennarasu hit back at the minister by referring to Aadhav Arjuna, the Public Works Minister and son-in-law of businessman Santiago Martin.
The exchange turned the Assembly debate into a political “son-in-law” battle, with both sides using family connections to target their opponents.
The personal remarks overshadowed much of the original discussion about Chennai’s airport plans.
Airport debate takes a back seat
The government has defended its decision to move away from Parandur, citing concerns over agricultural land and water resources.
The DMK, however, has argued that abandoning the project could delay Chennai’s second airport plans and questioned the government’s alternative arrangements.
The Assembly debate therefore ended up drawing attention not only to Chennai’s airport plans, but also to a bitter political exchange over the influential “sons-in-law” linked to the two sides.