Chennai: Tamil Nadu Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin was arrested by police on Tuesday over his alleged double-meaning remarks referring to actor Trisha Krishnan during a DMK protest rally in Thanjavur. The arrest has triggered a fresh political confrontation between the opposition DMK and the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government.
Udhayanidhi, son of DMK president and former Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, was taken into custody from his Chennai residence. Visuals showed the DMK leader smiling as police escorted him away.
The controversy stems from a DMK protest held in Thanjavur on Monday over the Cauvery water dispute, where Udhayanidhi was criticising Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay. During his speech, sections of the crowd reportedly chanted “Trisha, Trisha”, following which he allegedly made an offensive double entendre referring to the actor.
The remarks drew strong criticism from the ruling TVK, which accused Udhayanidhi of objectifying women. Party leaders demanded strict action, with some referring to him as “Vulgar-nidhi.” TVK also approached the National Commission for Women (NCW), seeking action over the alleged remarks.
Speaking after his arrest, Udhayanidhi denied making the comments attributed to him and claimed he was being targeted for “things I never said.” He alleged that the case was politically motivated and intended to divert public attention from more pressing issues, adding that he would challenge the case through legal means.
The Madras High Court is expected to hear Udhayanidhi’s anticipatory bail plea in connection with the case. He has been booked by the Thanjavur East Police under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Harassment of Women Act, and the Information Technology Act, following complaints filed by TVK leaders.
Reacting to the arrest, DMK MP Kanimozhi accused the state government of using the case for political revenge. She alleged that the arrest was aimed at preventing Udhayanidhi from attending the Tamil Nadu Assembly session beginning on Wednesday and described the action as an abuse of power.
The political row erupted during a DMK demonstration over the long-standing Cauvery river water dispute, with Udhayanidhi accusing the state government of failing to secure Tamil Nadu’s share of water from Karnataka.
