Himalaya Harbinger National Bureau.
In the midst of the pre-wedding celebrations of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant, the elevation of Gujarat’s Jamnagar Airport to international status has sparked political debate and allegations of discrimination. Congress National Spokesperson Dr. Shama Mohamed raised concerns, claiming favoritism towards the Ambani family.
Dr. Mohamed expressed her disapproval on social media, stating, “Jamnagar Airport, primarily a defense facility, has been granted international status for Anant Ambani’s pre-wedding festivities. Three Union ministries are involved in this decision, overseeing the expansion of the passenger building and renovations to the toilets. In contrast, Kannur Airport, operational since 2018, is still denied Point of Call, barring foreign airlines from operating. Is this not discrimination, Mr. Modi?”
Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh echoed the sentiment, accusing Prime Minister Modi of prioritizing the interests of wealthy industrialists. Ramesh tweeted, “For Mukesh Ambani’s son’s wedding, Modi has declared Jamnagar Airport international for 10 days, utilizing taxpayer money to double the passenger terminal size. Despite defense sensitivities near the Pakistan border, private jets of wedding guests have even been permitted in the Indian Air Force technical area.”
The controversy arises as Jamnagar Airport is designated international from February 25 to March 5, facilitating the attendance of global luminaries such as Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, Rihanna, Ivanka Trump, and former Prime Ministers during the three-day pre-wedding extravaganza starting March 1.
To accommodate international arrivals, the Union government’s Ministries of Health, Finance, and Home Affairs collaborate to establish a Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine (CIQ) facility at the airport. An airport official confirmed the temporary international status.
In response to the criticism, the government emphasizes the temporary nature of the international designation, solely for the high-profile event. The controversy continues to unfold as political figures debate the priorities surrounding such decisions.
