Udhayanidhi Stalin Says Treated “Like a Terrorist” After Arrest, Denies Double-Meaning Remark Allegations

DMK leader and Tamil Nadu Leader of Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on the state government after his arrest over an alleged controversial remark, claiming that he was treated “like a terrorist” during his transfer from Chennai to Thanjavur. Rejecting allegations that his speech carried a “double meaning”, Udhayanidhi said his remarks were only about the Cauvery water issue and the struggles of farmers.

Udhayanidhi was arrested from his residence in Chennai following a complaint over remarks made during a DMK protest organised in support of farmers. The statement triggered controversy after critics alleged that his comments contained a reference to actor Trisha with an inappropriate meaning. A case was registered in Thanjavur, where he was taken by police following his arrest.

Speaking to reporters after his release in Tiruchirappalli, Udhayanidhi alleged that the police action against him was excessive. He claimed that around 3,000 police personnel were deployed and that he was escorted nearly 400 km from Chennai to Thanjavur, questioning the need for such a large security arrangement.

“They took us by road for 400 km with 3,000 police personnel like a terrorist. They did not treat us properly,” Udhayanidhi said, accusing the government of using excessive force against an opposition leader.

Rejecting the allegations over his speech, he said his words were being distorted by selectively using portions of his address. “They cut, copied and pasted my speech to claim that I spoke inappropriately. I spoke with only a single meaning, the farmers need water,” he said.

Udhayanidhi denied any intention of insulting women and said he respected every woman in Tamil Nadu. He added that his remarks were being wrongly interpreted and expressed disappointment over criticism from some political leaders who, according to him, reacted without checking the complete context of his speech.

Calling his arrest a “diversionary tactic”, Udhayanidhi accused the government of attempting to shift attention away from farmers’ issues ahead of the Assembly session. He alleged that whenever genuine public issues arise, new controversies are created to divert attention.