Chennai, August 4, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
DMK president and former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Tuesday condemned the arrest of Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin, alleging that the ruling TVK government was attempting to divert public attention from the Cauvery water dispute and its handling of issues affecting the state’s farmers.
In a statement, Stalin said Udhayanidhi Stalin had questioned the government over its alleged failure to secure adequate Cauvery water for Tamil Nadu and prevent Karnataka from proceeding with the proposed Mekedatu dam project.
He alleged that instead of responding to these concerns, the government had resorted to police action against the Leader of the Opposition.
Udhayanidhi Stalin was arrested from his Chennai residence on Tuesday morning and taken to Thanjavur in connection with a case registered over remarks he allegedly made during a DMK protest held there.
Questioning the timing of the arrest, M.K. Stalin noted that the Tamil Nadu Assembly is scheduled to meet on Wednesday for the presentation of the State Budget. He alleged that the action was intended to prevent Udhayanidhi Stalin from participating in the Assembly proceedings as Leader of the Opposition.
The DMK chief said that following protests by party workers across Tamil Nadu, the state government informed the Madras High Court that there was no intention to keep Udhayanidhi Stalin in custody and that he would be released after questioning.
Stalin questioned why Udhayanidhi Stalin was taken to Thanjavur if the police only intended to question him. He also criticised the registration of multiple criminal charges, including non-bailable offences.
Welcoming the Madras High Court’s direction to release Udhayanidhi Stalin after questioning, Stalin described the order as a setback to what he termed the TVK government’s “authoritarian” functioning.
Stepping up his criticism of Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, the DMK president alleged that since assuming office, the Chief Minister had focused more on social media than governance. He urged Vijay to fulfil the responsibilities of his office and address the concerns of the people.
Stalin also demanded the immediate release of DMK workers detained during protests against Udhayanidhi Stalin’s arrest, warning that “arrogance in governance” would ultimately lead to political consequences.
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