Chennai: Actor-politician Udhayanidhi Stalin is facing mounting criticism after his remarks about actor Trisha Krishnan at a public rally triggered political outrage, with Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) lodging a complaint with the National Commission for Women (NCW) and demanding action against the Leader of the Opposition.

In its complaint, TVK described Udhayanidhi's comments as "deeply troubling and offensive", alleging that he used "offensive, double-meaning remarks and vulgar innuendos" directed at a prominent female public figure. The party has also announced plans to stage protests across Tamil Nadu over the incident.

The controversy stems from a protest meeting on the Cauvery water dispute held in Thanjavur on Monday. During his address, Udhayanidhi criticised Chief Minister Joseph Vijay, claiming that the state had not received a single drop of Cauvery water while the government remained indifferent.

The situation escalated when members of the crowd began chanting Trisha's name. Pausing his speech, Udhayanidhi responded with a remark that critics have described as a vulgar double entendre, drawing immediate backlash from political opponents.

In its submission to the NCW, TVK argued that such remarks from a senior political leader normalise the objectification and verbal harassment of women in public life. The party said the comments fell below the standards of decorum expected of elected representatives and urged the commission to take cognisance of the matter and issue a notice to Udhayanidhi.

TVK has also called on the DMK leader to issue an unconditional public apology to Trisha and demanded that police register a case against him for allegedly outraging the modesty of a woman.

The remarks also drew condemnation from the Bharatiya Janata Party. TVK MLA Rhevanth Charan described the comments as "absolutely disgusting", saying they reflected a decline in political standards.

Tamil Nadu BJP chief spokesperson Narayanan Thirupathy also criticised Udhayanidhi, calling the remarks "disgusting, obscene, vulgar and shameful". He demanded that action be taken against the DMK leader, saying his speech warranted arrest.