Indecent remark on Trisha sparks row:Chinmayi Says, 'Stop dragging women'; Khushbu Sundar calls it 'cheap politics'

DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin has come under fire over an alleged inappropriate remark that sparked a political and social controversy. The row escalated after the remark was linked to actress Trisha Krishnan, prompting strong reactions from singer Chinmayi Sripada and actress Khushbu Sundar, who condemned it as disrespectful towards women. As the controversy intensified, Chennai Police detained Udhayanidhi Stalin on Tuesday. Responding to the criticism, Udhayanidhi clarified that he had not named anyone other than the Chief Minister and denied making any personal reference to others. Chinmayi says women should not be dragged into politics Singer Chinmayi Sripada criticised the remark in a post on X, saying politicians should stop dragging women, who have nothing to do with political disputes, into their agendas. She added that she initially did not understand what Udhayanidhi Stalin meant. However, after someone explained the remark to her, she realised it was an abusive comment directed at women. Chinmayi said she had expected better conduct from young political leaders but was disappointed. Khushbu Sundar calls it 'cheap politics' Actress and BJP leader Khushbu Sundar also strongly criticised Udhayanidhi Stalin's remark, calling it "cheap politics." She said women's dignity should never become a tool in political battles and that such language has no place in public discourse. Khushbu also demanded that Udhayanidhi Stalin issue an unconditional public apology to actress Trisha Krishnan. Remark during rally triggered the controversy The controversy began during a DMK protest in Thanjavur over the Cauvery water dispute. While Udhayanidhi Stalin was addressing the gathering and criticising Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, some people in the crowd started chanting "Trisha, Trisha." It is alleged that Udhayanidhi responded by saying, "Whether the water reaches anywhere else or not, it must reach there," a remark that many interpreted as an inappropriate reference to actress Trisha Krishnan, triggering widespread backlash. Later, he clarified that his gesture was towards the Cauvery water. When the controversy escalated and the police detained him in Chennai, he called it the government's 'act of revenge'. Udhayanidhi defends himself Speaking to the media after being taken into police custody, Udhayanidhi Stalin defended his remarks. He said, "You have heard my speech. Did I say anything wrong? Did I name anyone other than the Chief Minister?" He maintained that he had not referred to any individual by name. However, opposition leaders and critics argued that the remark was an indirect reference to the social media rumours linking actress Trisha Krishnan with Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, which is why it sparked widespread controversy.