Actress Kasthuri Criticises Tamil Nadu Government Over Parandur Airport and Mahamaham Preparations

26 Aug 2026Updated 20 days ago1 source

AI translation — this coverage was originally reported in Tamil; the translation may contain errors. Read the original reports below.

Speaking in Kumbakonam, actress Kasthuri criticised the Tamil Nadu government's decision to withdraw the Parandur airport project, warning it could impact economic growth and benefit Andhra Pradesh. She also highlighted the lack of preparations for the 2028 Mahamaham festival despite central fund allocations, questioned the slow progress of the Kumbakonam railway station upgrade, and criticised freebie schemes amidst state financial constraints.

NIKAN Intelligence

What happened

Actress Kasthuri addressed the media in Kumbakonam, criticizing the DMK government on multiple fronts, including the dropping of the Parandur airport project and slow progress on regional developments.

Why it matters

Her criticisms target crucial developmental issues in Tamil Nadu, including the utilization of central funds for the massive 2028 Mahamaham festival and state economic growth.

What we know

  • Kasthuri claimed that cancelling the Parandur airport project would cause economic setbacks and benefit Andhra Pradesh.
  • She criticized the lack of preparatory work for the 2028 Mahamaham festival in Kumbakonam.
  • She alleged that the central government allocated Rs 1,200 crore for Mahamaham, which remains unutilized by the state.
  • She criticized Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) MLAs for their conduct in the assembly and questioned their freebie promises.

What we don't know

  • The official response of the state government or DMK representatives to her allegations.
  • The official status of the central allocation of Rs 1,200 crore mentioned by her.

What's next

It remains to be seen if the state government or TVK representatives will issue statements clarifying the issues raised by her.

Generated by NIKAN's analysis engine from the cited reports only. Nothing here is invented; gaps are shown as unknowns. Always read the original coverage linked below.

Reported by · Read full coverage

NIKAN News aggregates and summarises reporting from independent publishers. Full articles remain the property of the original sources and open on their websites.

AI translation — may contain errors

More coverage

TRENDINGPoliticsKancheepuram

DMK and TVK clash in TN Assembly over Parandur airport project cancellation

A heated debate erupted in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly between DMK and TVK members following Chief Minister Vijay's announcement to cancel the Parandur airport project. TVK Ministers Aadhav Arjuna and C.D. Nirmal Kumar alleged that the project was pushed for real estate and private interests. DMK member Thangam Thennarasu strongly defended the original site selection and retorted with sharp counter-allegations.

AI translation — may contain errors

21 days agoSource: ABP Nadu +1 more2 sourcesTrend 81

TRENDINGExplainersKancheepuram

Parandur Airport Project Scrapped: What Happens to Acquired Land Now?

Following Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay's decision to scrap the proposed ₹27,400-crore Parandur greenfield airport project, questions have arisen regarding the fate of thousands of acres of acquired land. While the move concludes years of protests by farmers and villagers, the state government must now navigate legal provisions under the Land Acquisition Act to determine if the land can be returned to its original owners.

20 days agoSource: The Hindu — Tamil Nadu1 sourceTrend 81

TRENDINGGovernmentKancheepuram

TN Government Drops Parandur Airport Project Citing Farmers Livelihood Concerns

The Tamil Nadu government has decided to drop the proposed Parandur greenfield airport project, with Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay prioritizing the livelihoods of local farmers and residents. To compensate, the capacity of the current Chennai airport will be expanded through new terminals, while officials look for an alternative location. The opposition DMK has criticized the move, citing potential long-term economic damage to the state.

22 days agoSource: Times of India — Chennai1 sourceTrend 80

TRENDINGTamil Nadu

Cauvery Dispute: Supreme Court Advises Tamil Nadu to Approach CWMA Over Water Shortfall

The Supreme Court has advised the Tamil Nadu government to approach the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) regarding its demand for proportionate water. The state informed the court that it faced a water shortfall of 17.414 TMC as of August 23, calculated under the pro rata formula.

22 days agoSource: The Hindu — National1 sourceTrend 80

TRENDINGGovernment

TN CM Vijay orders safe return of 103 pilgrims stranded in Nepal

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay has directed ministers and state officials to coordinate the rescue and safe return of 103 pilgrims from the state. The pilgrims became stranded in Nepal on Wednesday following devastating floods in the country. The state government is monitoring the situation to ensure their safe evacuation.

19 days agoSource: The Hindu — National1 sourceTrend 80

TRENDINGTamil Nadu

Nepal Floods: 20 Tamil Nadu Tourists Rescued, 83 Others Await Safety

A Tamil Nadu Minister stated that 20 tourists from a 57-member group visiting Nepal from Tamil Nadu and Puducherry have been rescued. However, rescue efforts for the remaining 34 members of the group have faced delays. Additionally, another group of 49 travellers who departed from Chennai to Nepal are also waiting to be brought to safety.

19 days agoSource: The Hindu — National1 sourceTrend 80

Back to the newsroom