Udhayanidhi Stalin detained, released after questioning

Tamil Nadu's Leader of the Opposition, Udhayanidhi Stalin, was detained by police on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, and questioned for approximately 90 minutes before being released, following a political controversy over remarks he made at a public rally. The DMK leader was taken from his residence in Chennai to a police station in Thanjavur district in connection with multiple complaints alleging his comments were derogatory.

The incident stems from a speech Udhayanidhi delivered on Monday, August 3, during a protest in Thanjavur focused on the Cauvery river water dispute. While he was criticizing Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, sections of the crowd began chanting the name of actress Trisha Krishnan. In response, Udhayanidhi stated, "Whether the water reaches anywhere else or not, it should reach there," before clarifying he was referring to the Cauvery river. The comment was widely circulated on social media and criticized as a suggestive double entendre.

At least six First Information Reports were registered against Udhayanidhi across the state. The initial complaint was filed by the women's wing of the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), alleging the remarks intentionally...