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New Delhi: Tamil Nadu politics was rocked on Tuesday when the police detained senior Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leader and former Deputy Chief Minister of the state Udhayanidhi Stalin from his Neelankarai residence in Chennai. Several DMK workers were also taken into custody along with him. After completing the initial paperwork, the police team took him to Thanjavur, causing a stir in the political circles across the state. Within hours, a news from the Madras High Court brought great relief to Udhayanidhi and his supporters.

Considering the situation, the High Court issued clear instructions to the police that the Leader of the Opposition should be released on station bail as soon as the interrogation was completed. Upon receiving news of the police action, DMK workers in various districts of the state took to the streets and started massive protests. However, the situation was brought under control after the High Court ordered station bail. It is alleged that while Udhayanidhi was addressing the public meeting from the stage, a section of the crowd started shouting slogans invoking the name of famous Tamil actress Trisha Krishnan.

Released on station bail after court’s tough stance

During the hearing of the case in the Madras High Court, the state government and Tamil Nadu Advocate General Vijay Narayan clarified that the police administration had no intention of taking Udhayanidhi into custody. The government assured the court that he was only being questioned as necessary and would be released immediately thereafter. 

The entire matter stems from a speech he delivered during a farmers’ protest in Thanjavur on August 3rd over the Cauvery water dispute. It is alleged that while Udhayanidhi was addressing the gathering from the stage, a section of the crowd began chanting slogans invoking the name of famous Tamil actress Trisha Krishnan. 

Political heat and legal troubles

Following the incident, the women’s wing of the TVK filed a police complaint, while the party leadership also filed a formal complaint with the National Commission for Women, accusing the DMK of disrespecting women and creating unrest in society. The TVK alleges that the DMK’s IT cell broadcast a two-minute, 39-second video of the controversial speech on the social media platform “X” with the intention of insulting the dignity of women. Upon receiving news of the police action, DMK workers in various districts across the state took to the streets and staged massive protests. However, the situation was brought under control after the High Court ordered station bail.