CM flies to Tiruchy via special entrance used by Jaya

Late Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, who was under Z+ category security, was among the very few who secured clearance for boarding aircraft from the apron (where the aircraft was parked) and always passed through Gate 6 of the Old Airport in her official vehicle. DMK President and former CM M Karunanidhi had also used the facility during his tenure as CM.

However, neither Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam, who was the CM for about a month, nor CM Edappadi Palaniswami had sought the special permission until now and used the regular entry and exit gates at the domestic airport here. Airport officials here said that special security clearance was necessary for passengers to drive all the way to the apron of the Old Airport and board an aircraft, which had to be obtained from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS). 

Airport officials had received a request from the Chief Minister’s office on Thursday morning for BCAS clearance to board flight from the apron and the same was provided for CM to enter the apron through Gate 5 of the Old Airport. The Deputy CM who was also expected to travel with EPS in the same flight had subsequently cancelled his ticket and left for Tiruchy on another Jet Airways flight later that night. OPS has been provided with Y+ Category security.

While CMO sources claimed that the special permission was sought citing security concerns, political observers here pointed out that it could be a signal that the EPS-led government is here to stay and is stronger than ever before.