Udhayanidhi Stalin's arrest over Trisha remark sparks bitter DMK-TVK showdown

Udhayanidhi, a senior DMK leader and son of former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin was taken into custody from his residence. He was seen smiling as police escorted him out.

Reacting to the arrest, DMK MP Kanimozhi posted on X: "If the government wants to personally take revenge on the Opposition Leader, Thiru. @Udhaystalin, let it file a case. Let the court deliver its verdict. But, lacking the courage to confront the DMK as an opposition party, for the government to resort to such oppressive tactics is against the law."

She further alleged that the arrest was intended to prevent Udhayanidhi from attending the Tamil Nadu Assembly session beginning on Wednesday.

"Arresting the Opposition Leader in this way, solely to prevent him from participating in the Assembly session starting tomorrow, is blatant cowardice."

TVK defends arrest

Defending the government's action, the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) said Udhayanidhi was arrested for allegedly insulting a woman, not for criticising the government.

Speaking to NDTV, TVK leader Americai Narayanan said: "Udhayanidhi Stalin has not been arrested for speaking against Chief Minister Vijay or the TVK, but for insulting a woman."

About the controversy

The controversy stems from a speech delivered by Udhayanidhi during a protest over the Cauvery River water-sharing issue in Thanjavur.

According to reports, while responding to political slogans raised by supporters and targeting Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, Udhayanidhi allegedly made a remark that critics interpreted as a vulgar reference to actor Trisha Krishnan.

Complaint triggers political storm

TVK alleged that the comment was insulting and misogynistic and subsequently filed complaints with the police and the National Commission for Women (NCW).

The remarks quickly sparked a political controversy, with protests demanding action against the DMK leader.

However, DMK leaders defended Udhayanidhi, claiming his speech had been taken out of context and that political opponents had deliberately distorted his remarks.