Udayanidhi Stalin Released After Arrest, Denies Double-Meaning Comment

Tamil Nadu's former Deputy Chief Minister Udayanidhi Stalin was arrested on Tuesday at his Chennai residence over allegedly inappropriate comments about actress Trisha, then released the same day. He was transported 400 kilometres by road to Tanjavur with 3,000 police personnel, where a case was registered against him.

At the airport, Stalin rejected allegations as false, stating his remarks concerned water release from the Cauvery river for farmers' welfare. He claimed his speech was edited and selectively cited to misrepresent his meaning. "I have only one meaning in my words — farmers need water," he said, denying any intent to disrespect women. "Every mother and sister of Tamil Nadu is part of my family," he added.

Staling criticised the government's actions as terrorism-like and condemned political rivals for criticising him without understanding his full context. He dismissed the charges and said he is unafraid of false cases.