Udhayanidhi Stalin arrest LIVE updates: DMK calls it an 'act of revenge'; Madras High Court orders his release today

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During the hearing of his anticipatory bail plea, Advocate General Vijay Narayan said the DMK leader has been taken to Thanjavur only for questioning and the police do not intend to remand him to judicial custody.

Updated - August 04, 2026 05:59 pm IST

Former Tamil Nadu deputy chief minister Udhayanidhi Stalin waves to supporters after his arrest for alleged "double-meaning" remark alluding to popular actor Trisha and insulting her modesty, in Chennai, on August 4, 2026. | Photo Credit: PTI

Tamil Nadu Leader of the Opposition and DMK youth wing leader Udhayanidhi Stalin was on Tuesday (August 4, 2026) arrested by police following a complaint registered by a ruling TVK functionary accusing him of making misogynist remarks at a public meeting in Thanjavur a day earlier.

Also read | Propriety in public discourse: On Udhayanidhi Stalin’s double entendre remarks

Addressing a public meeting, Mr. Stalin’s double entendre remarks were made in response to the crowd mentioning an actor’s name in response to a comment on what was important to Chief Minister Joseph Vijay. Addressing a protest gathering at Thanjavur on the Cauvery dispute, the LoP took a swipe at the Chief Minister, charging that while Tamil Nadu had not got a drop of water, Mr. Vijay remained unconcerned.

Meanwhile, a petition seeking anticipatory bail has been filed before the Madras High Court. During the hearing in the afternoon, Justice G.K. Ilanthiraiyan directed the police to release Mr. Udhayanidhi today on station bail after questioning. He also directed the Leader of the Opposition, who has been taken to Thanjavur, to cooperate with the investigation and appear for inquiry as and when required.

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Demonstration in front of the Tirunelveli Railway Junction

Thanjavur Udhayaniodhi police stattion.jpeg

DMK president M.K. Stalin, on Tuesday (August 4, 2026), alleged the arrest of Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin was a diversionary tactic by the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government, which, he claimed, had been exposed over its handling of the Cauvery water dispute.

TVK government does not want Udhayanidhi in Tamil Nadu Assembly, charges M.K. Stalin

M.K. Stalin accuses the TVK government of arresting Udhayanidhi to suppress opposition ahead of the Tamil Nadu Assembly session.

At Pattukottai in Thanjavur district, members of TVK youth wing attempted to burn an effigy of Mr. Udhayanidhi at Pattukottai earlier in the day. However, the police foiled their attempt, sources added — V. Venkatasubramanian

Tension prevailed in several parts of central districts of Tamil Nadu on Tuesday as DMK cadre staged protests condemning the arrest of their party youth wing leader Udhayanidhi Stalin.

Former Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi, during a protest in Tiruchi, alleged the TVK government had arrested Mr. Udhayanidhi out of fear that he would raise questions regarding the Mekedatu issue during tomorrow’s Assembly session. He accused the government of attempting to silence the opposition.

In Tiruchi, a large number of DMK cadres, led by Mayor M. Anbazhagan, gathered near the Central Bus Stand and raised slogans condemning Udhayanidhi’s arrest — Ancy Donal Madonna

Condemning the comments made by DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin, TVK cadres staged a demonstration in Ramathapuram on Tuesday. ​​

MDMK general secretary Vaiko condemned Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin alleging he had made remarks that reduced him to the level of “a fourth-rate platform speaker”.

In a statement, Mr. Vaiko said Mr. Udhayanidhi ought to have exercised restraint while addressing a protest meeting in Thanjavur on Monday . “His remarks are unbecoming of the Leader of the Opposition,” he said — B. Kolappan

DMK cadre staged protests at several locations in Coimbatore district on Tuesday to condemn the arrest of the party’s youth wing leader and Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin.

meanwhile, TVK cadre led by Kavundampalayam MLA Kanimozhi Santhosh staged a protest condemning Mr. Udhayanidhi’s remarks. “Those holding high positions in public life have a greater responsibility to maintain dignity and restraint in their words. Political disagreements are natural in a democracy, but remarks that demean women or hurt their dignity and respect are unacceptable under any circumstances,” Ms. Santhosh said — Wilson Thomas