Chennai (Gurpreet Singh): Leader of the Opposition and former Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin dismissed allegations of making derogatory statements on Tuesday, describing his recent arrest and questioning by law enforcement as a politically motivated attempt to distract the public from pressing state issues. Speaking to members of the press following his release on station bail from the Sengipatti police station near Thanjavur, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam leader rejected claims that he had indulged in double entendres or made obscene remarks aimed at outraging the modesty of a woman. He maintained that his address during a recent demonstration regarding the Cauvery water dispute was intended solely in “single meaning” to advocate for the rights of Tamil Nadu farmers who continue to suffer due to water scarcity.
The controversy erupted after law enforcement officers booked the opposition leader following a formal complaint regarding remarks made at a public protest in Thanjavur. However, Udhayanidhi asserted that he had not spoken ill of anyone, pointing out that his critics were misinterpreting his statements to create an artificial controversy. Emphasising his deep respect for women, he noted that as someone who has a wife, a sister, and a daughter, he would never make remarks intended to insult or demean womanhood. He accused Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay and the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam administration of using police action as a diversionary tactic to cover up governance failures and avoid parliamentary scrutiny ahead of the legislative session.
Characterising the ruling administration as a “circus camp,” the former deputy chief minister condemned the manner of his apprehension, hitting out at the state government for treating him like a dangerous criminal or terrorist by transporting him across the state by road to Thanjavur for questioning. Despite the legal hurdles and police interrogation, Udhayanidhi affirmed that he remains entirely unfazed by what he described as fabricated charges. He reiterated his commitment to fighting the allegations through proper legal channels, stating that he will continue to raise his voice for the welfare of the people and the agricultural community across Tamil Nadu regardless of political pressure.
