DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin was detained from his Chennai residence today amid a growing political row over his alleged remarks about actor Trisha Krishnan.
During a rally in Thanjavur on Monday over the Cauvery water dispute, Udhayanidhi Stalin was criticising Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay. During his speech, some members of the crowd began chanting “Trisha, Trisha”.
Udhayanidhi allegedly responded, “Whether the water reaches anywhere else or not, it must reach there.” He later clarified that he was referring to the flow of Cauvery water.
However, opposition parties linked the remark to actor Trisha Krishnan, describing it as a double entendre that insulted women. The controversy subsequently led to a case being registered against him.
Chennai police also detained DMK workers protesting outside Udhayanidhi’s house.
Police register case; bail plea filed
Police have registered a case against Udhayanidhi under six sections in connection with the alleged remarks. Anticipating arrest, the DMK leader has also moved the Madras High Court seeking anticipatory bail.
Chennai Police also detained several DMK workers who staged a protest outside Udhayanidhi’s residence following the police action.
Oppn parties condemn Udhayanidhi’s remarks
Several opposition leaders criticised Udhayanidhi Stalin over his alleged remarks. TVK MLA Revanth Charan said the comments reflected the DMK’s political culture and mindset. MDMK General Secretary and Rajya Sabha MP Durai Vaiko said the rally was meant to focus on the Cauvery dispute and farmers’ concerns, but the remarks amounted to an insult to women.
TVK leader Aadhav Arjuna described Udhayanidhi as ‘Vulgar Nidhi’, alleging that he had lowered the standard of political discourse. Party spokesperson Felix Gerald also condemned the remarks.
Tamil Nadu BJP chief spokesperson Narayanan Tirupathi called the comments ‘obscene’ and ‘shameful’, demanding Udhayanidhi’s arrest. BJP leader Khushbu Sundar urged him to issue an unconditional public apology to actor Trisha Krishnan.
DMK rejects allegations
Defending Udhayanidhi, DMK MP TR Baalu said he had not named any woman and dismissed the controversy as baseless.
Former minister T Mano Thangaraj alleged that the issue was being politicised to divert attention from the Cauvery dispute and the problems faced by farmers in the delta region.
Speculation surrounding Trisha and Vijay’s relationship
Actor Trisha Krishnan and Tamil actor-turned-politician Vijay have been among the Tamil film industry’s most popular on-screen pairings for over two decades, starring together in films including Ghilli, Thirupaachi, Aathi, Kuruvi and Leo.
Their off-screen relationship has been the subject of speculation for several years. The rumours intensified following reports of private meetings and the two being seen together at the Tirumala temple. However, neither Vijay nor Trisha has publicly commented on or confirmed the speculation.
