'Not afraid of arrest': Udhayanidhi's first response after police action

NEW DELHI: DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin on Tuesday reacted strongly to his detention over an alleged "distasteful double-meaning remark" made during a protest against the Vijay-led government in Tamil Nadu. The remark was made in response to the public chant of an actress's name at a gathering in Thanjavur.Udhayanidhi, himself an actor-turned-politician, claimed that the video of his speech being circulated was "doctored" and said he would challenge the matter legally.Calling it a "forged case," the leader of the opposition alleged that the Vijay-led TVK government has been filing false cases against DMK MLAs and engaging in horse-trading ever since it came to power.After being detained and taken into police custody, he told reporters, "Did I say anything wrong? Let the court decide."Udhayanidhi also added, "I did not name anybody and I did not speak in bad taste. I am ready to face the consequences and I am not afraid of arrest."Following Udhayanidhi Stalin's detention in Chennai, DMK cadres staged protests in Pudukkottai, condemning the police action.The political drama unfolded after Udhayanidhi led a protest in Thanjavur against the ruling TVK government's handling of the Cauvery water-sharing dispute and Karnataka's proposed Mekedatu dam project.During his address, Udhayanidhi launched a sharp attack on Tamil Nadu chief minister C Joseph Vijay, accusing him of showing little genuine interest in resolving the Cauvery water-sharing dispute or protecting farmers' interests."The chief minister's only concern is registering false cases against the DMK," he said.At that point, a section of DMK supporters began chanting the name of a Tamil actress, apparently suggesting that Vijay's priorities lay elsewhere. Udhayanidhi paused, smiled, and said, "The water should come there, irrespective of where it is supposed to come from."As the crowd responded with cheers and laughter, he added, "No. I was referring only to the Cauvery," triggering another round of applause and laughter.The remarks quickly went viral on social media, drawing sharp criticism from political opponents. In a post on X, BJP leader and former Telangana governor Tamilisai Soundararajan said that resorting to "vulgar double meanings" under the guise of criticising the chief minister should be condemned by everyone, regardless of political affiliation.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.