Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday criticized the takeover of the international airport, Thiruvananthapuram by the Adani group, saying it was not for the development of the facility but to protect the interest of monopolies.

The move comes at a time when an appeal regarding the transfer of the airport was pending before the apex court, Vijayan told the state Assembly. The Centre had violated its assurance given to the state government in this regard, he said during the question hour.

The CM's sharp reaction came a day after the business giant had signed the concession agreements with the Airport Authority of India (AAI) at Delhi for the management, operations and development of the Thiruvananthapuram, Guwahati and Jaipur airports. Airport employees also staged a protest in front of the office of the Director here on Tuesday against the takeover.

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