Karnataka Infrastructure Development Minister M.B. Patil on Wednesday criticized the central government for declaring Madurai Airport in Tamil Nadu as an international airport while not making a similar announcement for Hubballi and Belagavi airports in the state.
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Patil said the move reflects a discriminatory approach towards Karnataka. Questioning the decision, he remarked that it appeared as though “butter is given to them and lime to us.”
He suggested that the decision might have been influenced by the upcoming elections in Tamil Nadu and said the Centre has shown an indifferent attitude towards Karnataka’s long-standing demand.
The minister noted that on June 24, 2025, a letter had been sent to Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu requesting that Hubballi and Belagavi airports be upgraded to international status to benefit the North Karnataka region.
Patil also urged Union Minister and Dharwad MP Prahlad Joshi, Belagavi MP Jagadish Shettar, and Haveri MP Basavaraj Bommai to raise their voices and stand up for the state’s interests.
He added that at least one of the two airports should be declared an international airport, stating that upgrading both would be even more beneficial for the region.
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