PTI
'Won't be afraid of false case': Udhayanidhi Stalin slams TVK government as 'circus camp'
Udhayanidhi Stalin welcomed by DMK supporters following his release from Sengipatti police station. (@ANI/X | Image enhanced by AI)Hours after interrogation, Leader of Opposition in Tamil Nadu Udhayandhi Stalin walked out of Sengipatti police station and was accorded a warm welcome by hundreds of DMK members. Slamming the TVK government as a ‘circus camp’, Stalin said he will not be afraid of a false case and clarified that he spoke in ‘single-meaning,’ demanding Cauvery water release for farmers’ welfar. He was arrested on Tuesday for his alleged remarks against Chief Minister Vijay. The DMK leader allegedly made a sexually suggestive reference to the Chief Minister’s friendship with a popular Tamil actor. Following the police action, hundreds of DMK workers are staging protests in different parts of Tamil Nadu. Ex-Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has condemned the arrest of his son and said the arrest was meant to divert attention from his government’s failures.
Government vs Opposition: A war of words has erupted between the Vijay-led government and Opposition leaders over the arrest of Udhayanidhi Stalin. After AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami condemned the arrest, Electricity Minister R Nirmal Kumar accused him of “political opportunism” and failing to defend his party’s legacy. “Palaniswami is hiding behind the DMK. When Udhayanidhi spoke derogatorily about ‘Amma’ (J Jayalalithaa) in the past, Palaniswami was the Chief Minister. He didn’t take any action then; he just watched quietly to protect his post,” Kumar said. Defending the arrest, Kumar said Vijay did exactly what Jayalalithaa or MGR would have done in the past.
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Controversial speech: During his address, Udhayanidhi criticised the Tamil Nadu government over the Cauvery issue, saying the state had not received the water it was entitled to from Karnataka. As he spoke, sections of the audience began chanting the name of a well-known Tamil actor who is widely perceived to share a close friendship with Chief Minister Vijay. Pausing briefly and smiling at the crowd, Udhayanidhi made a remark that was widely interpreted as carrying a sexual innuendo. The audience responded with applause and laughter, after which he added, “I mean I was referring to Cauvery only.”
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Huge crowd outside Sengipatti police station
Hundreds gather agitating against the arrest of Udhyanidhi Stalin. The Opposition leader has been released out of a police station in Thanjavur after hours of questioning.
<script as📸 Scenes from Sengipatti, Thanjavur.
— DMK Youth Wing (@dmk_youthwing) August 4, 2026
இன்னும் சற்று நேரத்தில் மாண்புமிகு எதிர்க்கட்சித் தலைவர் @Udhaystalin ........ #udhayanidhistalin ொடைநடுங்கி_அரசு #tvkvijayfails pic.twitter.com/DiF6772efr
Udhayanidhi Stalin walks out of Sengipatti police station after questioning
Udhayanidhi Stalin walks out of Sengipatti police station near Thanjavur following release, accorded warm welcome by DMK cadres.
Hundreds of DMK members gathered outside Thanjavur police station
Hundreds of DMK members had gathered outside Thanjavur police station as Udhayanidhi Stalin was supposed to be questioned there.
VIDEO | TN: Earlier in the day, hundreds of DMK cadres gathered outside the Thanjavur police station, where LoP Udhayanidhi was expected to arrive for questioning. pic.twitter.com/Qc9noe8TOn
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 4, 2026
VIDEO | Cuddalore: Tamil Nadu Opposition Leader Udhayanidhi Stalin was escorted through Thirumandurai Toll Plaza amid supporters gathering. pic.twitter.com/SYF69IRVGi
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 4, 2026
Huge crowd outside Thanjavur East police station prompted cops to move Udhayanidhi to Sengipatti
As a large number of DMK members gathered outside Thanjavur East Police Station, police shifted Udhayanidhi Stalin to Sengipatti Police Station in the district. Udhayanidhi reportedly refused to get out of the police vehicle after being taken there.
Udhayanidhi Stalin questioned in Thanjavur
Tamil Nadu Leader of Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin is being questioned at a police station in Thanjavur.
Security tightened in Thanjavur
Security has been tightened in Thanjavur as Udhayanidhi Stalin would be questioned there shortly.
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VIDEO | Tamil Nadu: Traffic diversions across Thanjavur ahead of Udhayanidhi Stalin's appearance for police inquiry.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 4, 2026
Tamil Nadu Opposition Leader Udhayanidhi Stalin was taken into police custody from his residence for questioning over his controversial double-meaning remark in… pic.twitter.com/O9T6QkaGXp
Unacceptable...vulgar: How Opposition leaders condemned Udhayanidhi's remarks
Here's what Opposition leaders said condemning Udhayanidhi's controversial remarks
DMK members hold road blockade protest. Watch video
Condemning the detention of Tamil Nadu LoP Udhayanidhi Stalin, DMK cadres held a road blockade protest in Tiruchendur, Thoothukudi district.
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#watch | Tamil Nadu: Condemning the detention of Tamil Nadu LoP Udhayanidhi Stalin, DMK cadres held a road blockade protest in Tiruchendur, Thoothukudi district. Police detained a total of 51 people who participated in these protests. pic.twitter.com/eGUJDlMdFD
— ANI (@ANI) August 4, 2026
Tamil Nadu Minister says Udhyanidhi Stalin's remarks are completely unacceptable for public office
While DMK leaders are staging protests against the arrest of Udhayanidhi Stalin, Electricity Minister R Nirmal Kumar questioned the former Deputy Chief Minister's fundamental eligibility to hold public office. Kumar stated that the mindset displayed by the Leader of Opposition in the state assembly is "completely unacceptable" for public office.
"He doesn't even have the basic fitness to serve as a Member of the Legislative Assembly or the Leader of the Opposition. Such a mindset is completely unacceptable for public office," Kumar asserted. He further emphasised the broader social implications of such remarks made by prominent figures.
"When a Leader of the Opposition, not just an ordinary person, speaks so vulgarly in a public forum, what kind of impact will this have?" Kumar asked, demanding immediate and strict legal action.
"Whoever speaks vulgarly against women in public must face legal consequences. The police should arrest them immediately," he added.
Kumar lauded his party's president, Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, for his handling of the situation. "Our leader, Vijay, is doing exactly what 'Amma' (J Jayalalithaa) or 'Puratchi Thalaivar' MGR would have done if they were here," he said.
The minister also launched a scathing attack on AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami, accusing him of "political opportunism" and failing to defend his party's legacy. "Palaniswami is hiding behind the DMK. When Udhayanidhi spoke derogatorily about 'Amma' in the past, Palaniswami was the Chief Minister. He didn't take any action then; he just watched quietly to protect his post," Kumar charged. "If anyone is pushing the AIADMK into an abyss, it is Edappadi," he added.
With PTI inputs
'Vijay content to roam as mere reels creator': MK Stalin condemns Opposition leader's arrest
Following the arrest of Tamil Nadu Opposition leader Udhayanidhi Stalin over his remarks against Chief Minister Vijay, former CM MK Stalin condemned the police action and urged the actor-turned-politician to act responsibly instead of being content with reel creation. In a statement released by the DMK, Stalin said
"The fervor of the DMK-led protest rally in Thanjavur, condemning the indifferent and arrogant stance of the BJP government—which lacks the resolve to secure Tamil Nadu's rights over the Cauvery and the spine to stop the Mekedatu dam—served to echo the collective outrage of the entire state of Tamil Nadu.
Party comrades, esteemed farmers, and the general public joined in, giving voice to their emotions. Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly, Mr. Udhayanidhi, who participated in the protest and delivered a speech, sharply exposed and criticized the BJP government's utter incompetence.
"An inept dummy Chief Minister can't bring Cauvery water, can't even speak up to stop the Mekedatu dam; farmers are shedding tears in agony, yet ministers and the Chief Minister are the ones weeping over the movie he acted in—a Joker cabinet has taken hold in Tamil Nadu," charged the Opposition Leader with a barrage of accusations. To date, those in power have been unable to respond.
In a bid to conceal the government's glaring failure on the Cauvery issue by diverting attention from the problem itself, a police contingent arrived at Opposition Leader Udhayanidhi's residence this morning and arrested him in a brazen manner. Without a care for his status as Leader of the Opposition, the BJP government arrested him and whisked him away to Thanjavur. By filing cases across various sections, they seek to intimidate Udhayanidhi.
The Assembly convenes tomorrow. They are set to present the financial statement. At that time, the cabinet-eligible Opposition Leader must be present in the House. Yet, intent on ensuring he isn't, they have initiated this action.
Following the widespread resistance shown by DMK workers and the public across the nation, the BJP government's counsel stated in court, "There is no intention to arrest; we will release him once the inquiry is complete." If the goal is truly to conduct an inquiry, why not do it right there in Chennai? Why drag him to Thanjavur? Why file cases under multiple sections that prevent bail? The government's attempt to gloss over their retreat in the face of public opposition is all too apparent. The Madras High Court's directive to "release Udhayanidhi today" delivers a resounding blow to the BJP's fascist tendencies!
Ever since coming to power, Chief Minister Vijay has done nothing but arrest those who criticize him, his ministers, or his government. Arrests follow tweets or video statements. Such actions have targeted Assembly members like Anitha Radhakrishnan and Markandeyan. Students and youth protesting against NEET exams were not allowed to do so. Chaotic attacks were unleashed on those who did protest. Locking down Chennai's Marina Beach was the height of fascism. Farmers' spontaneous protests were branded as instigated by opposition parties. Permission was denied for a Dravidar Kazhag vehicle procession spreading anti-NEET awareness. In this very vein, the BJP government has now unleashed an arrest action against Opposition Leader Udhayanidhi, who led and spoke at a protest for farmers.
I extend my thanks to the political party leaders who have issued statements condemning this. However, it is regrettable that some leaders, without ascertaining the facts, have expressed condemnation toward Udhayanidhi. Udhayanidhi did not utter anything obscene in his speech. He did not target anyone specifically. For some to spread claims of what he didn't say, and for certain political leaders to condemn him without verification, only serves to divert the issue. Udhayanidhi is not one to speak inappropriately. Even if he were to err in speech, he is the sort to immediately apologize.
From the moment he assumed office, instead of striving to fulfill promises, Chief Minister Vijay—content to roam as a mere reels creator—must now awaken to his responsibilities and act accordingly.
The DMK comrades arrested across Tamil Nadu for participating in protests must be released immediately!
Arrogance paves the way for destruction; persistent arrogance hastens destruction!
#regimeshakinginfear."
DMDK leader draws parallel to colonial times after Udhayanidhi's arrest
Condemning the police action against Tamil Nadu Opposition leader Udhayanidhi Stalin, DMDK chief Premalatha Vijayakanth said, "This act of stifling the opposition is condemnable." Drawing a parallel to colonial times, she remarked, "There was a muzzle law during the British era; similarly, this action of stifling opposition parties is condemnable." She emphasised that answering political arguments with counter-arguments maintains the dignity of democracy, adding that an arrest action should not be considered a solution.
DMK members stage road blockade protests
Agitating against the arrest of DMK youth wing Secretary and Tamil Nadu Opposition leader Udhayanidhi Stalin, party members stage road blockade protests in parts of the state.
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<script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgetsகழக இளைஞர் அணிச் செயலாளர் - மாண்புமிகு எதிர்க்கட்சித் தலைவர் @Udhaystalin அவர்களைக் கைது செய்த பாசிச #tvk அரசை கண்டித்து தமிழ்நாடு முழுவதும் கழகத்தினர் - இளைஞரணியினர் சாலை மறியல் போராட்டம்! ொடைநடுங்கி_அரசு #udhayanidhistalin #tvkvijayFails pic.twitter.com/YJPfiVp93o
— DMK Youth Wing (@dmk_youthwing) August 4, 2026
Facing fascist side of TVK, says BJP leader
Comments of Tamil Nadu LoP Udhayanidhi Stalin is comdemnable but we are also seeing the fascist side of TVK”, says BJP leader Vinoj P Selvam.
With PTI inputs
Udhayanidhi’s speech was wrong; the government’s hasty arrest was also wrong: TTV Dhinakaran
With the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly set to convene tomorrow, the arrest of Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin must be viewed as an attempt to suppress the voice of the Opposition and democracy itself, said TTV Dhinakaran. "Whatever the issue may be, instead of addressing it through legal means, it is in no way acceptable for the Tamil Nadu government to misuse its authority by deploying the police and resorting to abuse of power," he said. Dhinakaran further requested the police and Chief Minister Joseph Vijay to immediately release Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin and restore law and order by bringing under control the tense situation that has arisen in Tamil Nadu following his arrest.
Better to avoid arresting Udhayanidhi, says VCK president Thol. Thirumavalavan
VCK president Thol. Thirumavalavan said it would be wise for the ruling party to refrain from arresting Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin, particularly with the Tamil Nadu Assembly set to convene on August 5. Thirumavalavan said allowing the Leader of the Opposition to participate in the Assembly proceedings would enhance the ruling party's credibility. He also said that under the current circumstances, Udhayanidhi's presence in the House would enable political parties to collectively raise issues concerning Tamil Nadu's rights over Cauvery water and draw the Union government's attention to the matter.
Udhayanidhi's arrest ahead of Budget Session raises questions: Palaniswami
AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami questioned the timing of Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin's arrest, alleging that detaining him on the eve of the Assembly's Budget session gave rise to suspicions of political motives.
Posting on X, Palaniswami said Udhayanidhi's alleged remarks against women were condemnable and that legal action over his speech was a separate matter. However, he argued that arresting the Leader of the Opposition just before the Assembly convenes appeared aimed at preventing him from participating in the proceedings.
Calling the Leader of the Opposition a key pillar of the legislative process, Palaniswami accused the DMK government of attempting to weaken the functioning of the House by ensuring Udhayanidhi's absence during the Budget session.
https://platform.x.com/widgets.jsசட்டமன்ற எதிர்க்கட்சித் தலைவராக இருக்கக் கூடிய
— Edappadi K Palaniswami-SayYEStoWomenSafety&AIADMK (@EPSTamilNadu) August 4, 2026
திரு. @Udhaystalin அவர்களை காவல்துறை கைது செய்திருக்கிறது
திரு. உதயநிதிக்கு நாவடக்கம் தேவை என்பதை நாம் பல ஆண்டுகளாக கூறி வருகிறோம். தான் இருக்கும் பொறுப்பின் மாண்பு அறியாமல் அவர் தொடர்ந்து வாய்க்கு வந்தபடி பேசுவதும், பெண்களை இழிவாக…
Slippers hurled, effigy burnt as DMK protests Udhayanidhi's detention in Thanjavur
DMK workers hurled slippers at police personnel and burnt an effigy while protesting the detention of Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin. He was detained following the registration of an FIR invoking nine sections of the law, including charges related to allegedly outraging the modesty of a woman, over his purported derogatory remarks against Chief Minister Vijay and actor Trisha.
#watch | Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu | DMK workers throw slippers at police, burn an effigy in protest against police detention of LoP Udhayanidhi Stalin under nine sections, including allegations that he insulted the modesty of a woman, following an FIR against him over his alleged… pic.twitter.com/wx5GVOLiyY— ANI (@ANI) August 4, 2026
TVK women's wing holds protest over Udhayanidhi's remarks
The women's wing of TVK staged a protest against DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin over his offensive remarks against a film actor.
https://platform.x.com/widgets.jsVIDEO | Madurai, Tamil Nadu: TVK's women's wing stages a protest against DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin over his offensive remarks against a film actor.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 4, 2026
(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/v43QDVPwqX
Panneerselvam, DMK leaders detained during protest over FIR against Udhayanidhi
DMK MLA O Panneerselvam, along with party leaders, staged a protest in Theni after Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin was detained by police following the registration of an FIR over his alleged defamatory remarks against Chief Minister Vijay. Panneerselvam and several other DMK leaders were also detained during the protest.
https://platform.x.com/widgets.js#watch | Tamil Nadu | DMK MLA O. Panneerselvam, along with party leaders, protests after LoP Udhayanidhi Stalin is detained by police following an FIR against him over his alleged defamatory remarks against CM Vijay, in Theni. O. Panneerselvam and other leaders were detained… pic.twitter.com/9s8dBvyMby
— ANI (@ANI) August 4, 2026
DMK reacts to Udhayanidhi's arrest: 'Fascist government'
Following the arrest, the DMK issued a statement saying it "strongly condemned the fascist ADMK government for arresting the DMK Youth Wing Secretary and Opposition Leader". "In the protest held over the Cauvery issue, the ADMK government, unable to respond to any of the criticisms raised by the Honorable Opposition Leader, is demonstrating its helplessness by filing false cases. Who is it that is twisting the fact that the Opposition Leader spoke about the Cauvery issue without mentioning anyone's name, claiming he 'spoke obscenely' or spoke in 'double meanings'?"
கழக இளைஞர் அணிச்செயலாளர், மாண்புமிகு எதிர்க்கட்சித் தலைவர் @Udhaystalin அவர்களைக் கைது செய்த பாசிச த.வெ.க அரசை வன்மையாக கண்டிக்கின்றோம்.காவிரி பிரச்சினைக்காக நடந்த ஆர்ப்பாட்டத்தில் த.வெ.க அரசு மீது, மாண்புமிகு எதிர்க்கட்சித்தலைவர் அவர்கள் முன்வைத்த எந்த விமர்சனங்களுக்கும்…
— DMK Youth Wing (@dmk_youthwing) August 4, 2026
What did Udhayanidhi Stalin say against CM Vijay?
During a DMK protest held in Thanjavur on Monday against the Cauvery water-sharing dispute and the proposed Mekedatu dam project. While addressing the people from the protest stage, Udhayanidhi slammed the Vijay-led Tamil Nadu government, saying the state had not received the water for Cauvery it was entitled to from Karnataka. As he spoke, a section of the crowd began chanting the name of a well-known Tamil actor who is widely perceived to share a close friendship with Chief Minister Vijay.
Pausing briefly and smiling at the crowd, Udhayanidhi made a remark that was widely interpreted as carrying a sexual innuendo. The audience responded with applause and laughter, after which he added, "I mean I was referring to Cauvery only."
What are the charges that led to Udhayanidhi Stalin's arrest?
Udhayandhi Stalin, DMK's youth wing secretary and the Leader of Opposition in Tamil Nadu Assembly, was arrested for his alleged sexual innuendo over the friendship of Chief Minister Vijay and an actor.
According to details of the FIR registered at the Thanjavur East Police Station, police booked Udhayanidhi under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Section 61 (criminal conspiracy), Section 196 (promoting enmity between groups), Section 192 (provoking riots), Section 79 (insulting the modesty of a woman), Section 296(b) (obscene utterances in a public place), Section 351(2) (criminal intimidation) and Section 352 (intentional insult intended to provoke a breach of peace).
The FIR also invokes Section 4 of the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Harassment of Women Act and Section 67 of the Information Technology Act related to the electronic publication or transmission of obscene material.
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