Chennai: DMK leader and Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin was arrested by Chennai Police on Tuesday in connection with an FIR over his alleged objectionable remarks involving actor Trisha Krishnan during a public rally on the Cauvery water dispute. The arrest has intensified the political confrontation between the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) and the opposition DMK.
Soon after his detention, Udhayanidhi dismissed allegations that the controversy was politically motivated by the TVK government. Responding to claims of a vendetta, he took a swipe at the ruling party, saying, “TVK don’t have so much of brain,” while accusing the government of targeting opposition leaders instead of addressing public issues.
Arrest Over Controversial Remarks
Police detained Udhayanidhi from his residence in Neelankarai, Chennai, after registering a case over remarks allegedly made during a rally in Thanjavur. The comments, which reportedly referred to actress Trisha in the context of the Cauvery dispute, drew widespread criticism from political parties, women’s groups, and sections of the public.
Authorities questioned the DMK leader following the arrest, while party workers gathered outside his residence to protest the police action.
Udhayanidhi Rejects Vendetta Claims
Speaking after his detention, Udhayanidhi rejected accusations that he had crossed the line and instead alleged that the ruling TVK was attempting to silence the opposition.
He mocked the suggestion that the TVK government was orchestrating a political vendetta, remarking that the party “don’t have so much of brain” to execute such a strategy. He further claimed that the government was using police action to divert attention from governance and public concerns.
TVK Intensifies Protest
The controversy escalated after the TVK lodged complaints with the police and the National Commission for Women (NCW), alleging that Udhayanidhi’s remarks were offensive and disrespectful toward women. The party also organized protests demanding strict legal action against the DMK leader.
Security was tightened around Udhayanidhi’s residence as tensions rose following the registration of the case and statewide protest calls.
DMK Defends Its Leader
The DMK has defended Udhayanidhi, arguing that his speech has been misrepresented by political opponents.
Party spokesperson TKS Elangovan said critics had distorted the context of the speech and maintained that Udhayanidhi had not intended to make derogatory remarks about Trisha.
Political Row Deepens
The incident has further sharpened the rivalry between the ruling TVK and the opposition DMK, with both sides accusing each other of politicizing the issue.
While the TVK insists that legal action was necessary to uphold respect for women in public discourse, the DMK contends that the arrest reflects selective enforcement and an attempt to suppress opposition voices.
What Happens Next?
The case is expected to proceed through the legal process, with investigators examining the circumstances surrounding Udhayanidhi’s remarks. Political observers believe the controversy could continue to dominate Tamil Nadu’s political landscape, especially as both the DMK and TVK seek to rally public support ahead of future political battles.
