DMK leader questioned over remarks targeting Chief Minister Vijay and actor Trisha as political tensions escalate across Tamil Nadu…reports Asian Lite News Desk
Tamil Nadu Leader of the Opposition and DMK Youth Wing Secretary Udhayanidhi Stalin was questioned by police on Tuesday in connection with a case registered over his alleged remarks against Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay and actor Trisha, triggering political protests and legal proceedings across the state.
A police team from Thanjavur reached Udhayanidhi’s residence in Neelankarai, Chennai, and informed him about the case before taking him for questioning. The case was registered following a complaint by the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) women’s wing, which alleged that remarks made by the DMK leader during a protest in Thanjavur were objectionable and derogatory.
The FIR includes six sections, including provisions of the Information Technology Act.
Soon after the case was registered, the DMK approached the Madras High Court seeking protection from arrest for Udhayanidhi. Senior party leaders, including K.N. Nehru and Ma. Subramanian, arrived at his residence, while members of the party’s legal team held discussions with police officials.
As news of the police action spread, DMK supporters gathered outside Udhayanidhi’s residence and later staged demonstrations at several locations, including the party headquarters, Anna Arivalayam, and along the route taken by the police convoy to Thanjavur. Police detained several protesters to prevent disruptions.
The controversy stems from a DMK protest held in Thanjavur on Monday over the Cauvery water dispute, the proposed Mekedatu reservoir project and demands for a farm loan waiver. During his speech, Udhayanidhi criticised the TVK government over water management and later made remarks that drew sharp objections from the ruling party.
TVK alleged that the comments directed at Chief Minister Vijay and actor Trisha were defamatory and inappropriate. The party’s women’s wing subsequently lodged a police complaint and organised protests demanding legal action.
TVK national spokesperson Pazha Selvakumar also petitioned the National Commission for Women, seeking action against Udhayanidhi and demanding an unconditional public apology.
The day’s developments took another dramatic turn after Udhayanidhi was taken to Sengipatti Police Station for questioning. According to reports, he objected to the change of venue from the originally proposed Thanjavur South Police Station, arguing that the inquiry should be conducted at the police station concerned with the case. He reportedly refused to step out of the police vehicle, leading to a brief standoff.
Meanwhile, during the hearing before the Madras High Court, the Tamil Nadu government informed the court that it did not intend to seek Udhayanidhi’s judicial remand. The court subsequently directed that he be released on station bail after the completion of questioning, providing temporary relief to the DMK leader amid an intensifying political confrontation.
