In another example of people with connections getting preferential treatment at airports, Premalatha, wife of DMDK chief Vijayakanth, apparently made herself at home in the VIP room at the domestic airport.
Arriving early for a Spicejet flight to Madurai, Premalatha, who is neither a sitting MLA, MP nor a minister (the minimum pre-requisite for using the VIP room) was allowed to use the room, allegedly with the help of the airline, said sources. They added that though such indiscretions were swept under the carpet very often, it became a problem when state Finance Minister O Paneerselvam was also scheduled to arrive to take a different flight to the temple city. “When the manager heard that the room was occupied, he raised the issue with the airline staff,” said an airport official. Meanwhile, the Minister also arrived and had to wait for a while before he was allowed to use the VIP room. “Though she did not take too much time and left to board the flight, the Minister’s aides were a little upset,” added the official.
Airport Director Suresh said that the VIP room was strictly restricted to Ministers and persons of the CJ cadre, and any violation would be looked into. Despite attempts, Premalatha was unavailable for comment.