Several DMK Cadres Detained as Protests Erupt Across Tamil Nadu Over Udhayanidhi Stalin’s Arrest

August 4, 2026

Chennai: Several DMK cadres were detained across Tamil Nadu on Tuesday as protests broke out against the arrest of Tamil Nadu Leader of Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin over his alleged remarks against Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay and actor Trisha Krishnan.

DMK workers staged demonstrations outside the Madras High Court and in various districts, demanding the immediate release of Udhayanidhi Stalin. Police took several protesters into custody during road blockades and demonstrations organised by party members.

The arrest has intensified the political face-off between the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) and the DMK, with the opposition party alleging that the action was politically motivated.

DMK Leaders Protest, Accuse Government of Political Vendetta

Former Tamil Nadu minister P. Geetha Jeevan, along with DMK workers, was detained near the old bus stand in Thoothukudi during a road blockade protest.

Geetha Jeevan accused the government of using the case as a tool for political revenge and alleged that the arrest was aimed at suppressing the opposition’s voice.

“Unable to answer the DMK’s questions and debate in the Legislative Assembly, the TVK government has arrested Opposition Leader Udhayanidhi Stalin out of political vendetta. This action is strongly condemnable,” she said.

Udhayanidhi Stalin was booked by Thanjavur East Police under sections 61, 79, 192, 196, 296(b), 351(2), and 352 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with Section 4 of the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Harassment of Women Act and Section 67 of the Information Technology Act.

Road Blockades, Detentions Reported in Several Districts

In Ranipet district, DMK workers led by former minister R. Gandhi held a protest near Muthukadai Bus Stand, alleging that the case against Udhayanidhi Stalin was politically motivated.

A brief clash was reported between police personnel and protesters when authorities moved to stop the demonstration. Several DMK workers were subsequently detained.

Similar protests were witnessed in Pollachi and other parts of Tamil Nadu. DMK supporters also gathered along the route while police escorted Udhayanidhi Stalin from Chennai through Kelambakkam, Vandalur and Paranur toll plaza towards Chengalpattu.

Udhayanidhi Denies Allegations

The controversy began during a DMK rally on the Cauvery water dispute, where Udhayanidhi Stalin criticised the government over water-related issues.

During his speech, sections of the crowd reportedly raised slogans mentioning actor Trisha. TVK alleged that Udhayanidhi’s response contained objectionable remarks, leading to a complaint by the party’s women’s wing.

However, Udhayanidhi Stalin denied making any derogatory comments and claimed that edited and misleading content was circulated to create controversy.

“They have propagated fake news by using ‘Cut, Copy, Paste’ to claim I said something I never said. I am not the kind of person to be intimidated by all this. I will face it legally,” he said.

The case remains under investigation, while political tensions between the DMK and TVK continue to escalate across Tamil Nadu.

Also Read: