TVK women's wing files complaint against Udhayanidhi over alleged remarks at Thanjavur rally
In a formal complaint lodged on Monday, the Thanjavur East Police have received an allegation against Leader of Opposition and DMK youth wing leader Udhayanidhi Stalin for allegedly making remarks that maligned the image of a woman public personality. The complaint was filed by S. Bairavi, the Thanjavur Central District organiser of the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) women's wing.
According to the complaint, the incident occurred during a demonstration organised by the DMK in Thanjavur on August 3, 2026. While Mr. Udhayanidhi was criticising Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay for not making public statements on the Cauvery water-sharing issue, some persons in the crowd reportedly chanted the name of a woman actor. Subsequently, more people from the crowd began chanting the name of another actor who has appeared alongside Mr. Vijay in several films.
At this juncture, the complaint further alleges, the DMK leader made “derogatory and disparaging remarks” about the Chief Minister. The complaint states that the remarks concerning a woman public personality deeply upset several women, including the complainant, and urged the police to register a case.
The complaint was received by the Thanjavur East Police, who have not yet announced whether an FIR will be registered. No response from Mr. Udhayanidhi or the DMK has been reported so far.
The demonstration was part of the DMK's ongoing campaign on the Cauvery issue, which has been a long-standing political flashpoint in the state. The TVK, which came to power in the recent elections, has been in a bitter political rivalry with the DMK. The complaint comes amid heightened political tension between the two parties over the handling of the Cauvery water dispute and other state issues.
Earlier, the DMK had accused the Chief Minister of avoiding public comments on the Cauvery matter. Mr. Udhayanidhi's speech at the protest was intended to draw attention to this, but the alleged remarks have now sparked a fresh controversy.
Ms. Bairavi, in her complaint, expressed that the comments were not only derogatory but also disrespectful to women. She urged the police to take appropriate legal action against the Opposition leader.
The police have confirmed receipt of the complaint. Further investigation is expected to clarify the circumstances and the exact language used during the speech, as no audio or video evidence has been disclosed publicly yet.
The Cauvery water sharing issue has been a recurring conflict between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. TVK, which campaigned on a strong pro-Tamil Nadu stance, has often criticised the DMK for what it calls a failure to secure the state's rightful share. The DMK, on the other hand, has accused the ruling party of not taking a firm stand on the matter. This backdrop makes the ongoing war of words particularly significant.
This incident highlights the increasingly confrontational nature of political discourse in Tamil Nadu, with leaders trading sharp accusations. However, until a formal investigation is concluded and the remarks are verified, the allegation against Mr. Udhayanidhi remains just that — an allegation.
