CHENNAI: What began as a police case over an alleged double-meaning remark involving actor Trisha during a rally addressed by Udhayanidhi Stalin on Monday quickly turned into a political confrontation in Tamil Nadu.From supporters gathering outside Udhayanidhi Stalin’s residence to the DMK moving the Madras high court, and the former deputy chief minister being released after questioning, the hoopla around the controversy refused to die down even on Tuesday evening.Udhayanidhi, the leader of opposition in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, was picked up from his Neelankarai residence by Thanjavur police on Tuesday in connection with the case registered over his remarks at a protest meeting a day ago.As police escorted him away, Udhayanidhi smiled and waved at supporters gathered outside his residence. Asked about the police action, he said, “The court will decide.”“Did I mention anyone’s name except the CM’s? Then why do you think this is happening? Let the court decide,” Udhayanidhi said before being taken away.
Supporters gather outside residence
The police action triggered a show of strength by DMK workers, who gathered outside Udhayanidhi’s residence and raised slogans against the arrest.Senior DMK leaders, including PK Sekar Babu and KN Nehru, also reached the spot as police held discussions with Udhayanidhi’s family and party leaders before taking him to Thanjavur.The DMK subsequently approached the Madras high court seeking anticipatory bail.The government told the court that Udhayanidhi would be released after questioning by Thanjavur police.He was subsequently released on station bail.
How the ‘Trisha’ controversy began
The case stems from a demonstration led by Udhayanidhi in Thanjavur over the Cauvery water dispute.The DMK had demanded that the Tamil Nadu government take steps against Karnataka’s proposed Mekedatu reservoir project, waive farmers’ loans and declare the Cauvery delta districts drought-affected.During his address, Udhayanidhi criticised the state government’s handling of the water dispute.A section of the crowd then began chanting actor Trisha’s name.Police and the complainant alleged that Udhayanidhi responded with an obscene, double-meaning remark that insulted the actor’s modesty.A complaint was subsequently filed at Thanjavur East Police Station by S Bairavi, the TVK’s Central District Women’s Wing organiser in Thanjavur.The complaint alleged that Udhayanidhi and DMK IT wing office-bearers had intentionally degraded women and circulated a video of the incident on social media.The TVK also approached the National Commission for Women, seeking action and an unconditional public apology from Udhayanidhi.
Nine charges invoked
Police invoked nine sections against Udhayanidhi, including provisions relating to promoting enmity, provocation with intent to cause a riot, criminal intimidation, use of obscene words and insulting the modesty of a woman.Provisions under the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Harassment of Women Act were also invoked, according to police sources.Udhayanidhi, however, questioned the basis of the action and said he had not mentioned anyone’s name apart from the chief minister during his speech.
DMK turns arrest into political battle
The arrest soon moved beyond the original controversy, with DMK leaders accusing the government of political vendetta.DMK president MK Stalin alleged that police had “arrogantly” taken Udhayanidhi from his Chennai residence and transported him to Thanjavur under non-bailable charges to prevent him from attending the Assembly session beginning August 5.Stalin also demanded the release of DMK cadres detained during protests against the arrest.He defended Udhayanidhi’s speech, saying the Leader of Opposition had neither used obscene language nor specifically targeted anyone.DMK MP Kanimozhi also accused the government of using oppressive tactics and said arresting the Leader of Opposition ahead of the Assembly session was an attempt to prevent him from participating in it.
Opposition divided over arrest and remark
The arrest drew criticism from several political parties, though reactions to Udhayanidhi’s alleged remark were not uniform.AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami questioned the timing of the arrest, saying it raised suspicions because the Assembly session was due to begin the following day.At the same time, Palaniswami criticised Udhayanidhi’s conduct and said he had long believed the former deputy chief minister needed to be restrained in his remarks about women.DMDK chief Premalatha Vijayakanth described the action as an attempt to stifle the opposition, while AIADMK deputy general secretary KP Munusamy accused the government of political vendetta.VCK chief Thol Thirumavalavan, meanwhile, said Udhayanidhi’s remark was unacceptable in civilised politics but also urged the government not to arrest him ahead of the Assembly session.
From a protest speech to a political showdown
The episode thus moved through several stages in a matter of hours, from a controversial remark at a Cauvery protest to a police complaint, detention, crowds outside Udhayanidhi’s residence, a court battle and accusations of political vendetta.Udhayanidhi’s smiling departure and wave to supporters, the slogans raised outside his home and the rapid mobilisation of senior DMK leaders gave the arrest a distinctly political character.The Madras high court’s subsequent direction for his release further shifted the focus from the alleged remark to the manner and timing of the police action.The controversy now sits at the intersection of women’s dignity, political speech, opposition politics and the upcoming Assembly session, with both the alleged remark and the government’s response continuing to draw criticism.(With agency inputs)
