The Union Civil Aviation Ministry issued an order renaming the domestic terminal at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport [RGIA], Shamshabad after actor and politician N T Rama Rao, the founder of Telugu Desam Party which could turn controversial. The Aviation Ministry defended its decision by citing the existing earlier in Begumpet Airport.

Aviation minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju said, the name of the airport will continue to be Rajiv Gandhi International Airport but NTR's name be given equal prominence along with RGIA on the terminal building. The Congress party objected this move from the Central government and also it would get a huge row from the ruling TRS party.

Ironically, the Aviation Ministry took the decision without consulting the state government. The ruling government too did not comment anything on this issue so far but it might be discussed in the Assembly. Telangana Congress party is getting ready for huge protest over this row and demanded the Union government to take back this decision.

The Shamshabad Airport was developed by GMR group and started operations from 2008.

- TVR