TVK Government Accused Over Udhayanidhi Arrest

DMK leader M.K. Stalin accused the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government of arresting Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi as a distraction. He claimed the government mishandled the Cauvery water dispute and ignored Udhayanidhi’s role in the Assembly.

Stating that the Assembly session, where the State Budget is to be presented, began on August 5, Stalin alleged the government wanted Udhayanidhi, who holds Cabinet rank, absent from the session. He questioned why Udhayanidhi was taken to Thanjavur for questioning instead of Chennai and why severe charges were filed against him.

Stalin also criticized Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay for targeting critics, citing arrests of four individuals over social media posts. He mentioned arrests of Anitha R. Radhakrishnan and Vilathikulam MLA Markandayan, restrictions on student protests against NEET, and denied access to Marina Beach for protesters.

AIADMK chief Edappadi Palaniswami condemned Udhayanidhi’s arrest, while DMK youth wing claimed it was to prevent him from speaking in the Assembly. Minister Nirmalkumar stated Udhayanidhi was unfit for public life.

Stalin defended Udhayanidhi, saying he would apologize if he made any offensive remarks. He demanded the release of DMK cadres arrested during protests and warned against arrogance leading to destruction.