Source The Hindu
CHENNAI — Tensions flared across Tamil Nadu on Tuesday following the arrest of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leader and Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin. The detention came after a complaint was lodged by a functionary of the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), alleging that Udhayanidhi made misogynistic and sexually suggestive remarks during a public rally in Thanjavur.
Udhayanidhi, however, firmly denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that his statements were aimed strictly at political critique and contained no intended double entendre.
The incident traces back to a protest demonstration in Thanjavur focused on the ongoing Cauvery water-sharing dispute. While addressing the crowd and criticizing Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay’s administration for its handling of the water crisis, sections of the audience began chanting the name of a popular actor. Udhayanidhi paused and made a comment that was quickly interpreted by opponents as an offensive innuendo. He immediately followed up on stage, stating, “I was referring only to the Cauvery,” but the snippet went viral across social media platforms, sparking intense political backlash.
Escalation and Legal Action
The ruling TVK party, along with other opposition groups, strongly condemned the speech, accusing the DMK leader of outraging the modesty of women and lowering the standard of political discourse. Based on complaints filed by TVK representatives, Thanjavur police registered a case invoking multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Harassment of Women Act, and the Information Technology Act. A formal complaint was also submitted to the National Commission for Women (NCW).
On Tuesday morning, police officers arrived at Udhayanidhi’s residence in Neelangarai, Chennai. High drama unfolded as DMK leaders, legal representatives, and cadre assembled outside the home to protest the move, momentarily blocking the police vehicle before officers cleared the way.
High Court Directs Station Bail
As Udhayanidhi was taken into custody and transported to Sengipatti police station in Thanjavur district for interrogation, his legal team urgently approached the Madras High Court seeking anticipatory bail.
During the afternoon hearing, Justice G. K. Ilanthiraiyan recorded submissions from the state’s legal representatives and directed the police not to prolong his detention. The court ordered that Udhayanidhi be released on station bail after completing interrogation, provided he cooperates with the ongoing investigation.
Speaking to media persons while in transit, Udhayanidhi dismissed the charges as politically motivated. “I have not said anything wrong or insulted anyone. The case is forged to divert attention from major state issues, and we will fight it legally,” he stated. DMK supporters held road blockades across several districts, while party leaders condemned the arrest as an act of political vendetta. Investigation into the matter remains ongoing.
