Synopsis
Tamil superstar Vijay stands with farmers against the Parandur airport project, criticizing the DMK government's decision. He emphasizes the importance of agriculture and questions the government's contradictory stance on development.Key Takeaways
- Vijay supports farmers opposing the Parandur airport project.
- Criticism directed at DMK for prioritizing development over agriculture.
- Vijay initiates his political journey through field activism.
- Environmental concerns raised regarding water resources.
- DMK's past opposition to similar projects questioned.
Chennai, Jan 20 (NationPress) Tamil film icon and leader of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), Vijay, has expressed his solidarity with farmers opposing the proposed Parandur greenfield airport initiative.
Speaking to the villagers in protest, Vijay condemned the ruling DMK administration for its decision to push forward with the project, promising to support the farmers until their cause is addressed.
Having shifted his focus from cinema to politics, Vijay highlighted the critical role of farmers in the nation, asserting that his participation in this movement signifies the start of his “field politics.”
While clarifying that he does not oppose development or the establishment of a new airport, he vehemently criticized the plan to build it on fertile agricultural land. The TVK leader challenged the DMK government’s inconsistent position on developmental initiatives.
Pointing to the party's earlier objections to the Tungsten project, Vijay questioned why it now endorses the Parandur airport project.
Although he avoided naming the DMK directly, he lambasted its leadership for previously opposing projects like the eight-lane expressway while in opposition, yet ignoring farmers’ grievances upon taking office.
Vijay accused the DMK administration of being “anti-people” for pursuing the airport initiative, which he claimed would obliterate 90 percent of the agricultural land and water resources in the target area.
He further insinuated that the ruling party had a personal stake in the project, suggesting potential ulterior motives.
The president of the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee, K. Selvaperunthugai, dismissed Vijay’s visit to Parandur, stating it would have minimal effect. During his visit, numerous farmers and children awaited him, brandishing bundles of paddy crops as a representation of their protest. One farmer even gifted a bundle of paddy to Vijay following his address.
Social activists have expressed alarm over the environmental consequences of the Parandur airport project. They cautioned that over 13 water resources could be compromised if land is requisitioned for the development, aimed at establishing Chennai’s second airport.
The Parandur airport project is projected to cost Rs 32,704 crore and necessitates 2,171 hectares of land, which encompasses 1,386.43 hectares of agricultural land, 577 hectares of water bodies, and 173 hectares of government land (poromboke).
