Tamil Nadu Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin was arrested by police on Tuesday after an FIR was registered against him over remarks made during a public rally on the Cauvery water issue in Thanjavur that critics alleged were derogatory towards actor Trisha Krishnan, writes Mint.
According to police, Stalin was taken into custody from his residence in Chennai following the registration of the case.
Speaking after his arrest, the senior DMK leader defended himself, saying he had neither named anyone nor made inappropriate comments.
“I did not name anybody, and I did not speak in bad taste. I am ready to face the consequences, and I am not afraid of arrest,” Stalin was quoted as saying by PTI.
Police also detained several DMK workers who gathered outside Stalin’s residence and allegedly attempted to breach security arrangements.
Additional Commissioner of Police Narendran Nair confirmed that an FIR had been filed over the alleged derogatory remarks.
The controversy stems from a public meeting in Thanjavur on Monday, where Stalin criticised actor-turned-politician Vijay over the Cauvery water dispute.
During his speech, sections of the audience repeatedly chanted “Trisha, Trisha,” prompting allegations from opposition parties that Stalin’s subsequent remarks carried a double meaning directed at the actress.
The DMK has rejected those allegations, insisting that Stalin’s comments were related solely to the Cauvery issue and were not aimed at Trisha Krishnan.
According to reports, police have booked Stalin under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Sections 61, 79, 192, 196, 296(b), 351(2) and 352.
He has also been charged under Section 4 of the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Harassment of Women Act and Section 67 of the Information Technology Act. The case has been registered by Thanjavur East Police.
The controversy has triggered sharp political reactions across Tamil Nadu.
Vijay’s political party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), has filed a complaint with the National Commission for Women (NCW), seeking action against Stalin and demanding an unconditional public apology.
The party urged the commission to intervene and issue a notice to the DMK leader.
TVK MLA Rhevanth Charan condemned the remarks, describing them as “disgusting” and accusing the DMK leadership of lowering the standards of political discourse.
He alleged that the party had resorted to “cheap provocation” after its protest over the Cauvery issue failed to gain momentum.
BJP leader Vanathi Srinivasan also criticised Stalin, calling his speech “vulgar” and alleging that it reflected the DMK’s political culture.
She demanded that the Opposition leader issue a public apology.
The controversy continues to intensify as political parties exchange accusations, while the legal proceedings against Stalin are expected to unfold in the coming days.
