New Delhi, Aug 4 (IANS) The detention of Tamil Nadu Leader of the Opposition (LoP) and DMK Youth Wing Secretary, Udhayanidhi Stalin, on Tuesday triggered sharp political reactions, with the DMK defending its leader and questioning the need for police action, while leaders from the AIADMK and Shiv Sena termed the alleged remarks attributed to him as “highly condemnable”.
The controversy comes after Udhayanidhi Stalin was taken for questioning by police from his residence in Chennai’s Neelankarai in connection with a case registered over his purportedly derogatory remarks against Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay and actress Trisha Krishnan.
Reacting to the development, DMK Organisational Secretary R.S. Bharathi defended LoP Udhayanidhi, saying that his speech was focused on issues of public interest and criticism of the state government.
“All of you witnessed his (Udhyanidhi Stalin) speech in Thanjavur yesterday. Has he made any defamatory statement against anyone? He criticised the state government and pointed out its failures on issues such as the Cauvery dispute and the Mekedatu project. What is wrong in that? He is the Leader of the Opposition, and it is his duty to highlight the shortcomings and failures of the government and bring them before the public,” Bharathi said.
He also noted that the action came just a day before the commencement of the Assembly session in Tamil Nadu.
“He (Udhyanidhi Stalin) pointed out the mistakes of the state government, and the government should respond politically. There is no meaning in arresting or detaining someone in a defamation-related matter. This (Vijay-led TVK) government has been acting in this manner since day one,” he added.
DMK MP T.R. Baalu also came out in support of Udhayanidhi, saying that no unparliamentary language had been used during the speech.
“He did not use any unparliamentary language or make any unparliamentary remarks at the public meeting. The gathering was focused on the Cauvery issue. He was only speaking about the river, water flow, and related concerns. The controversy has been amplified by the media, not by him. He neither referred to that particular woman nor made any such comments,” Baalu said.
Tamil Nadu Minister C.T.R. Nirmal Kumar, meanwhile, stressed that action would be taken in cases involving the harassment or disrespect of women.
“Action will be taken against any harassment of women,” he said.
Strong criticism, however, came from the Opposition in Tamil Nadu.
AIADMK spokesperson Kalyanasundaram termed the alleged remarks “unacceptable” and said such language had no place in public discourse.
“It is highly condemnable. Nobody can accept this kind of vulgarity in public speeches, particularly when directed at a political opponent or the leader of another party. In my view, this is not an isolated incident but part of a political legacy. Such conduct has been seen repeatedly over the years,” he said.
Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC also criticised the Tamil Nadu LoP’s remarks, saying, “The comments allegedly made by Udhayanidhi Stalin regarding Trisha Krishnan were not only below the belt but also disrespectful. Targeting a woman’s dignity in this manner is unacceptable, especially on a public platform.”
Shiv Sena-UBT MP Priyanka Chaturvedi said that while she had not personally heard the statement, any remark targeting a woman or commenting on someone’s personal relationships would be highly objectionable.
Similarly, Shiv Sena-UBT MLC Ambadas Danve said that if any inappropriate statement had been made, particularly against a woman, action should be taken.
“If a wrong statement has been made regarding a woman, then appropriate action should follow. The same standard should apply to everyone, irrespective of political affiliation,” he added.
–IANS
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