‘No double meaning, only meant Cauvery’: Udhayanidhi Stalin claims speech was misconstrued

Trichy (Tamil Nadu): Following his arrest and subsequent release on station bail, DMK leader and Tamil Nadu Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin has strongly denied allegations of using inappropriate double meanings in a recent public address, claiming political opponents seized upon and distorted a portion of his speech.

The police action originated from remarks made by Udhayanidhi during a demonstration in Thanjavur, organised to protest the handling of the Cauvery water dispute and Karnataka's proposed Mekedatu dam project. Opponents, including the ruling TVK, alleged that sections of his address contained vulgar double-entendres, leading to formal complaints and his brief detention before he was granted station bail.

‘Distracting public attention from core issues’

Addressing reporters at Trichy airport en route to Chennai after obtaining bail, Udhayanidhi alleged that false cases and selective clips were being used to distract public attention from the core issues facing agricultural workers in the state.
 

Udhayanidhi maintained that his address focused on farmers' rights and securing Tamil Nadu's allocated share of Cauvery water, dismissing suggestions that his remarks carried any secondary meaning.

DMK leader vows legal and political response

"Diversion tactics and fake news are the policies of the TVK. My speech during the Thanjavur protest was well received by farmers. I did not have any intention of maligning anyone; my parents did not nurture me that way. I have a family and a sister. Foisting false cases on me will not stop me. I thank DMK cadres, senior leaders and the party's legal wing for their affection, support and condemnation of my arrest. My only disappointment is that some leaders condemned me without even listening to my speech.

"I spoke only in support of farmers, and I will not stop. There was no double meaning in my speech. I spoke only to bring water to the Cauvery, and I will continue to do so,” he said.
Udhayanidhi added that his legal team would contest the police charges, reiterating that the party intends to continue highlighting state agricultural concerns despite the ongoing legal controversy.

(With ANI inputs)