Udhayanidhi Stalin Arrested in Chennai Over Double-Meaning Remarks Against CM Vijay and Trisha

In a major political development, Chennai Police on Tuesday arrested Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leader and Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin from his Neelankarai residence. The arrest follows an FIR registered against him over alleged crude and double-meaning remarks directed at Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay and actor Trisha Krishnan.

The controversy broke out during a DMK-organized protest over the Cauvery water dispute in Thanjavur on Monday, August 3, 2026. While Udhayanidhi was addressing the gathering and criticizing the state government's handling of water releases, sections of the crowd began shouting slogans chanting actor Trisha’s name. Pausing his speech, Udhayanidhi made a comment that was widely interpreted as a vulgar double entendre. He stated, "Whether the water reaches anywhere else or not, it should reach there," before adding with a smile that he was referring strictly to Cauvery water.

Following the speech, widespread criticism mounted across political parties. S. Bairavi, the Central District Women’s Wing Organiser of the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) in Thanjavur, filed a formal police complaint alongside a petition to the National Commission for Women (NCW). Local police subsequently registered a case against the opposition leader on charges related to public obscenity and outraging the modesty of a woman, leading to his morning arrest amid heavy security and protests by DMK supporters.

While leaders from the TVK, BJP, and MDMK condemned the statement as cheap and disrespectful, DMK leadership has rejected the allegations, claiming Udhayanidhi’s words were taken out of context and that he made no direct mention of any individual. Udhayanidhi Stalin’s legal team has already moved the Madras High Court seeking urgent anticipatory bail, while police continue their procedures following the detention.