Senior DMK leader and Tamil Nadu Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin launched a sharp attack on the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government shortly after being released following police questioning over his remarks on actor Trisha Krishnan.

Welcomed by supporters outside the police station in Thanjavur on Tuesday evening, Stalin described his detention as a “comedy” staged by a “circus government” and referred to Chief Minister Vijay as a “dummy Chief Minister”.

He alleged that the action against him was intended to shift public attention away from what he described as the government’s failure to address the Cauvery water issue affecting farmers.

Udhayanidhi Stalin links arrest to Cauvery water issue

Addressing supporters after his release, Udhayanidhi Stalin claimed he had been treated “like a terrorist” despite raising concerns related to farmers, the Mekedatu dam project and the Cauvery river dispute.

He said that during the previous DMK government, water from the Mettur dam was released annually on June 12 for farmers, but alleged that the current TVK government had failed to secure water despite five months in office.

According to Stalin, his criticism was focused on governance and the state’s handling of water-related issues rather than personal attacks.

DMK leader denies insulting women over Trisha remarks

Responding to the controversy surrounding his speech, Udhayanidhi Stalin maintained that his remarks had been taken out of context.

He alleged that portions of his speech had been selectively edited to create a misleading impression. Rejecting allegations that he had used inappropriate language or double meanings, he said his comments were solely about the need for water for farmers.

Stalin also stressed that he had no intention of disrespecting women and said he regarded every mother and sister in Tamil Nadu as members of his own family. He expressed disappointment that some political allies criticised him without watching his complete speech.

Says he is ready to face legal action

In a post on X, the DMK leader asserted that he would not be intimidated by police cases or political pressure.

Referring to his political background, he said he was prepared to fight the matter through legal means and would continue raising the Cauvery issue on behalf of farmers. He also thanked DMK workers and alliance leaders who protested against his detention and demanded the release of those held during demonstrations.

TVK dismisses Udhayanidhi Stalin’s allegations

TVK leader Adhava Arjuna rejected Stalin’s accusations, saying the government was not driven by political revenge.

He argued that the ruling party did not view Udhayanidhi Stalin as a political rival and challenged him to resign as an MLA and contest a fresh election without relying on his family’s political legacy. Arjuna claimed that TVK would field an ordinary woman candidate and asserted that Stalin would struggle to retain public support if such an election were held.

How the controversy began

The controversy stems from Udhayanidhi Stalin’s speech in Thanjavur on the Cauvery water dispute with Karnataka, during which members of the audience repeatedly chanted actor Trisha Krishnan’s name.

The TVK alleged that Stalin’s response carried an inappropriate double meaning and accused him of lowering the standards of political discourse while disrespecting women.

Stalin has consistently denied the allegation, maintaining that his remarks were misrepresented through edited clips. He reiterated that he never intended to offend anyone, particularly women, and said his upbringing and family values would never allow such conduct.

Tamil Nadu Leader of Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin was arrested from his Chennai residence on Tuesday after his remarks about actor Trisha at a public rally sparked a political controversy.

The arrest comes a day after comments made by the DMK leader during a protest meeting in Thanjavur drew criticism from political parties, leading to complaints and demands for legal action.

Udhayanidhi calls arrest a ‘joke’

Udhayanidhi Stalin was seen smiling as police escorted him from his residence following the arrest. Speaking briefly, he described the police action as a “joke” and said he would challenge it through legal means.

Controversy began during Thanjavur rally

The controversy began during a protest gathering over the Cauvery water dispute in Thanjavur on Monday.

While criticising Chief Minister Joseph Vijay over the state’s water concerns, members of the crowd shouted actor Trisha’s name. Udhayanidhi paused his speech and responded with what critics described as an offensive double entendre, triggering widespread backlash.

DMK alleges political vendetta

The DMK criticised the arrest and alleged that it was politically motivated.

Party leader TKS Elangovan said Udhayanidhi had only highlighted the Chief Minister’s failures and had neither insulted anyone nor mentioned Trisha by name. According to the party, the arrest amounts to political vendetta.

TVK defends action, says issue is about insulting a woman

Rejecting the DMK’s allegations, TVK leader Americai Narayanan said the arrest was not linked to criticism of the Chief Minister or the party.

According to him, the action was taken because Udhayanidhi allegedly insulted a woman through his remarks. He also criticised the DMK leader over the controversy.

Earlier, TVK had submitted a complaint to the National Commission for Women (NCW) seeking action against Udhayanidhi Stalin. The party also filed a police complaint.

In its complaint, TVK alleged that Udhayanidhi used offensive, double-meaning remarks and vulgar innuendos targeting a prominent female public figure. The party further stated that such remarks normalise the objectification and verbal harassment of women in public spaces.

BJP also demanded arrest

The Tamil Nadu BJP had also demanded Udhayanidhi Stalin’s arrest over the remarks.

State BJP chief spokesperson Narayanan Thirupathy described the comments as “disgusting, obscene, vulgar, and shameful” and said legal action against the DMK leader would be appropriate.

Similar controversy in the past

The controversy has once again brought attention to repeated public remarks involving actor Trisha in political debates.

According to the source, since rumours about Vijay and Trisha’s relationship surfaced, political and film personalities have made comments about the actor on multiple occasions.

Earlier this year, Tamil Nadu BJP leader Nainar Nagendran had remarked that Vijay should “come out of Trisha’s house” before entering politics. Trisha’s legal team had responded to those comments at the time.

The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has approached the National Commission for Women (NCW) seeking action against Tamil Nadu Leader of Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin over his remarks about actor Trisha during a public rally in Thanjavur.

Describing the comments as “deeply troubling and offensive”, the party alleged that the former deputy chief minister used objectionable language targeting a woman from a public platform. TVK has also announced plans to hold statewide protests over the issue.

TVK alleges remarks objectified a woman

The controversy stems from a protest meeting on the Cauvery water dispute held in Thanjavur on Monday. During his address, Udhayanidhi Stalin criticised Chief Minister Joseph Vijay, alleging that Tamil Nadu had not received Cauvery water while the chief minister remained unconcerned.

According to TVK, the meeting took a controversial turn after members of the audience chanted actor Trisha’s name. The party alleged that Udhayanidhi responded with an offensive double entendre, triggering widespread criticism.

In its complaint to the NCW, TVK said the remarks amounted to “offensive, double-meaning remarks and vulgar innuendos” directed at a prominent female public figure. The party argued that such language from a senior political leader normalises the objectification and verbal harassment of women in public spaces.

Party demands apology and legal action

TVK urged the NCW to take cognisance of the incident and issue a notice to Udhayanidhi Stalin, stating that the remarks were inconsistent with the standards of decorum expected from public representatives.

The party also demanded an unconditional public apology from the DMK leader for what it described as objectifying and vulgar rhetoric. In addition, TVK called for a police case to be registered against him, alleging that the remarks outraged the modesty of women.

Political reactions intensify

The incident drew strong reactions from both TVK and the BJP.

TVK MLA Rhevanth Charan described the remarks as “absolutely disgusting”, saying such comments reflected a decline in political standards and were unacceptable.

Tamil Nadu BJP chief spokesperson Narayanan Thirupathy also criticised Udhayanidhi Stalin, calling the remarks “disgusting, obscene, vulgar and shameful”. He further demanded that legal action be taken against the Leader of Opposition.

Earlier controversy involving Trisha

The latest episode comes amid previous controversies involving actor Trisha in political discourse. Earlier this year, Tamil Nadu BJP leader Nainar Nagendran had remarked that Chief Minister Joseph Vijay should “come out of Trisha’s house” before entering politics. Trisha’s legal team had responded to those comments at the time.