Published Aug 04, 2026 | 11:00 PM ⚊ Updated Aug 04, 2026 | 11:00 PM
Udhayanidhi Stalin. (File photo)
Synopsis: Tamil Nadu Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin was released after being questioned by police on Tuesday over his alleged disparaging remarks towards actor Trisha and Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay. The DMK leader denied he had made the remarks or used any double entendre, and alleged that the controversy had been manufactured to divert attention from farmers’ issues and the Cauvery water dispute.
Tamil Nadu Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin was released late on Tuesday evening, 4 August after being questioned at Sengipatti Police Station in Thanjavur district. He had been taken into police custody earlier in the day over an alleged disparaging remark against actor Trisha and Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, during a DMK-led farmers’ protest in Thanjavur.
Speaking to reporters at Tiruchirappalli International Airport after his release, Udhayanidhi alleged that the government had fabricated the controversy to divert attention from issues affecting farmers and the Cauvery water dispute.
He said the remarks attributed to him were never part of his speech and alleged that portions of his address had been “cut, copied and pasted” to create a false narrative.
Udhayanidhi said he had neither intended nor attempted to insult any woman. There was not “even the slightest thought” in his mind to speak disrespectfully about women, he said, adding that his parents had not raised him that way. He said he has a wife, daughter and sister and considers every woman in Tamil Nadu as equivalent to his mother or sister.
Udhayanidhi said the farmers’ protest in Thanjavur was organised under the directions of DMK president MK Stalin to highlight the plight of farmers.
He said the enthusiastic response to his speech from farmers had created a strong political impact and alleged that the government feared opposition parties would raise the issue during the Assembly session beginning on Wednesday.
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Udhayanidhi alleged that the government routinely creates fresh controversies whenever major public issues arise to divert attention.
He accused the Tamil Nadu government of failing to secure Cauvery water from Karnataka and lacking the resolve to oppose Karnataka’s proposed Mekedatu dam project.
He said that during the previous DMK government, water was released from the Mettur dam on 12 June every year for several consecutive years. This year, however, despite August having begun, Cauvery water had still not reached Tamil Nadu, he said.
Udhayanidhi said he had urged the government to convene an all-party meeting during the Assembly session, arguing that the Cauvery dispute was not a party issue but one affecting farmers across the State. He said he had also presented documentary evidence while criticising the functioning of ministers, but alleged that the government lacked the courage to respond and instead filed a case against him.
He further alleged that the Chief Minister was more interested in publicity than governance and accused ministers and ruling party leaders of focusing on publicity campaigns instead of addressing pressing issues. He also alleged that the government had failed to act on criminal and sexual offence complaints involving ruling party functionaries and legislators.
Udhayanidhi said he did not even consider it a government and described it as “a circus tent.” He alleged that while the government was trying to arrest DMK legislators, it was simultaneously attempting to “purchase” AIADMK MLAs.
He further claimed that the Chief Minister neither understood the history of the DMK nor the sentiments of the people of Tamil Nadu, and asserted that the electorate would deliver an appropriate verdict at the right time.
Also Read: From Sasikala to Trisha: Udhayanidhi Stalin’s history of remarks on women and rivals’ personal lives
Udhayanidhi said police informed him on Tuesday morning that they intended to arrest him, and that he had told them he would cooperate fully. He accused the government of believing that a false case would intimidate him, but said, “I am Kalaignar’s grandson. We are not afraid of anyone and are prepared to face anything.”
He also criticised the manner in which he was transported by police, alleging that around 3,000 police personnel escorted him by road from Chennai to Thanjavur “as though they were transporting a terrorist” using public funds.
He questioned why he was not taken to Thanjavur town but instead to Sengipatti Police Station and said the DMK would challenge the matter through legal proceedings.
The DMK leader thanked party cadres and leaders of alliance parties who protested against his detention and demanded the immediate release of all party workers arrested during the demonstrations.
He expressed disappointment that some political leaders had criticised him without watching or listening to his full speech and maintained that his remarks had only one meaning and carried no hidden implication.
“I spoke only about ensuring water reaches the Cauvery and farmers. I will speak about it again,” he said.
(With inputs from Subash Chandra Bose)
