Tamil Nadu Leader of Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin was released on station bail on Tuesday after being questioned by police in connection with alleged objectionable remarks made during a public meeting in Thanjavur. The Madras High Court directed the police to release him after questioning, while the government told the court that it had no intention of seeking his remand.
Udhayanidhi was taken into custody from his Chennai residence and later brought to the Sengipatti police station in Thanjavur for questioning. The case relates to remarks he allegedly made during a protest over the Cauvery water dispute. The comments, which were widely interpreted as having a double meaning involving actor Trisha, triggered criticism from political opponents and led to complaints being filed against him.
After more than an hour of questioning, Udhayanidhi left the police station and was welcomed by a large gathering of DMK supporters. He rejected the allegations and maintained that he had not insulted women. He also accused the ruling government of using the controversy for political purposes.
The episode has now turned into a major political confrontation in Tamil Nadu, coming just before the state Assembly's Budget session. DMK leaders have accused the government of deliberately targeting Udhayanidhi.
Senior DMK leader and advocate N R Elango alleged that the government wanted to arrest Udhayanidhi in order to prevent him from attending the Budget session, which began on Wednesday. Elango claimed that the move was intended to keep the Leader of the Opposition away from the Assembly at a time when he was expected to raise important questions against the government.
The ruling side, however, has denied that the police action was politically motivated. The government told the Madras High Court that it did not intend to remand Udhayanidhi and that he would be released after questioning.
The detention has also triggered protests by DMK workers in different parts of the state. Party leaders have described the action as political vendetta, while supporters have rallied behind Udhayanidhi.
With the Budget session now underway, the controversy is expected to remain a major point of political debate in the Tamil Nadu Assembly.
