TN Politics / Udhayanidhi Stalin Arrested Over Remarks on Actor Trisha

Chennai, Aug 4: Tamil Nadu Police on Tuesday arrested Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin from his residence in Chennai in connection with remarks he made during a public meeting that drew widespread criticism for allegedly containing a sexual innuendo involving actor Trisha.

Police registered a case against Stalin following the remarks. Meanwhile, he approached the Madras High Court seeking anticipatory bail. The court is scheduled to hear his plea later on Tuesday.

Remarks Trigger Political Row
The controversy stems from a speech delivered by Udhayanidhi while addressing a gathering on the Cauvery water dispute. During his address, in which he criticised Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay over the government's handling of the Cauvery issue, a member of the audience shouted, "Trisha, Trisha."

After pausing briefly, Udhayanidhi responded with remarks that opponents alleged were a double entendre referring to actor Trisha. The comments sparked criticism across the political spectrum, with several leaders describing them as vulgar and derogatory towards women.

TVK Leaders Condemn Remarks
The ruling TVK strongly criticised Udhayanidhi over the remarks.

TVK leader Aadhav Arjuna described the comments as "obscene" and accused the DMK leader of lowering the standards of political discourse.

In a post on Instagram, Arjuna alleged that Udhayanidhi was undermining the political legacy of C.N. Annadurai through "obscene language and double-meaning speeches."

He further claimed the remarks reflected a "perverted thinking about women" and said such language would not be accepted in public life by the people of Tamil Nadu.

TVK spokesperson Felix Gerald also criticised Udhayanidhi, asking in a post on X whether he would repeat the same remarks before his own children.

BJP Demands Action
The BJP also condemned the comments.

Tamil Nadu BJP chief spokesperson Narayanan Thirupathy described the remarks as "disgusting, obscene, vulgar and shameful" and demanded Udhayanidhi's arrest.

Former Tamil Nadu BJP president K. Annamalai also criticised the speech, while BJP state vice-president Khushbu Sundar said Udhayanidhi should issue an unconditional public apology to actor Trisha.

Also Read: Former WFI Chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh Acquitted in Sexual Harassment Case

DMK Defends Udhayanidhi
The DMK rejected the criticism, describing the controversy as politically motivated.

Former Tamil Nadu minister T. Mano Thangaraj said the backlash was an attempt to divert public attention from the Cauvery issue and the concerns of farmers in the delta region.

Calling the controversy "manufactured hatred," Thangaraj urged political opponents to focus on policy issues rather than what he described as "selective fake news." He also alleged that the outrage was intended to prevent Udhayanidhi from raising questions against the government in the Assembly.