Udhayanidhi Stalin Questioned by Police Over Controversial Remarks
Police Interrogation of Udhayanidhi Stalin
Chennai, Aug 4: Udhayanidhi Stalin, the Leader of Opposition in the Tamil Nadu Assembly and Secretary of the DMK Youth Wing, was taken by police for questioning from his residence in Neelankarai, Chennai, on Tuesday. This action is part of an investigation into remarks he allegedly made that were derogatory towards Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay and actress Trisha.
The specific location to which he was taken has not been disclosed. The Thanjavur police had previously filed a case against him under six sections, including those of the Information Technology Act, following a complaint from the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) women's wing regarding comments made during a DMK protest in Thanjavur on Monday.
In response to the case, the DMK sought protection for Udhayanidhi from arrest through the Madras High Court.
A police team from Thanjavur, led by Deputy Superintendent Alagesan, visited Udhayanidhi’s home to inform him about the case. Chennai's Commissioner of Police, A. Amalraj, was also present at the scene.
Several senior DMK leaders, including K.N. Nehru and Ma. Subramanian, along with members of the party's legal team, arrived at the residence to discuss the situation with police officials.
Udhayanidhi's legal representatives requested time to consult with lawyers before determining the next steps.
As news of the police action spread, numerous DMK supporters gathered outside his residence, chanting slogans in his favor.
A significant police presence was established in the area to maintain order and prevent any disturbances.
The controversy began during a DMK protest outside the Panagal Building in Thanjavur, where Udhayanidhi criticized the TVK government regarding the Cauvery water dispute, the proposed Mekedatu reservoir, and calls for agricultural loan waivers.
During his speech, he pointed out the deteriorating water conditions in the Cauvery Delta, questioning if the rivers would have dried up under former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi's leadership. The situation escalated after he made comments directed at Chief Minister Vijay, which were prompted by chants from the crowd referencing a female actor.
These remarks were met with backlash from the TVK, which claimed they were derogatory and unacceptable.
Following this, the TVK women's wing filed a complaint with the Thanjavur police and organized protests across several districts on Tuesday, demanding legal action against Udhayanidhi.
TVK national spokesperson Pazha Selvakumar has also approached the National Commission for Women, alleging that Udhayanidhi's speech included defamatory, objectifying, and sexually suggestive comments.
The petition calls for the Commission's intervention, legal action, and an unconditional public apology from Udhayanidhi.