Karnataka's infrastructure development minister MB Patil has criticized the Centre for granting international airport status to Tamil Nadu's Madurai Airport while ignoring similar demands from the state for airports in Hubballi and Belagavi.
Patil said the Centre's decision reflects a discriminatory approach and is not acceptable, adding that Karnataka had sought international status for airports in the northern part of the state but received no response.
The Cabinet approved the proposal on Tuesday, with Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stating that the decision was taken in view of the aspirations of people in Madurai.
Patil also suggested that the decision on Madurai may have been influenced by political considerations linked to upcoming elections in Tamil Nadu, but said the Centre should not overlook Karnataka's requirements.
He urged Union minister and Dharwad MP Pralhad Joshi, Belagavi MP Jagadish Shettar and Haveri MP Basavaraj Bommai to raise the issue with the Centre and support the state's demand.
