CM Vijay's 'double-meaning remarks' swipe amid row over Stalin Jr's Trisha comment

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay on Monday said the law would take its course if women were insulted, amid a massive political row over Leader of Opposition and DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin's 'double-meaning' remarks involving actor Trisha."Freedom of speech – how it is being used, we should retrospect. At the same time, speaking of our people or women in a demeaning way, let's not have that," Vijay said in the Assembly, without naming Stalin Jr."People are watching some speaking in double meaning. I just want to say that we all have women as sisters and mothers in our home... So if women are insulted, the law will take its action," he added.Vijay's remarks came weeks after Udhayanidhi Stalin was arrested and later released on station bail in connection with a case over the 'double-meaning' remarks that were widely interpreted as an allusion to Trisha, who is Vijay's close friend. The controversy erupted during an August 3 Cauvery protest in Thanjavur when supporters chanted Trisha's name while Udhayanidhi Stalin was speaking. He paused, smirked and made a remark that critics interpreted as a vulgar reference to Trisha. Stalin Jr later denied making any objectionable comment and said he was referring only to the Cauvery issue.Police arrested Udhayanidhi Stalin at his Chennai residence on August 4 and took him to Thanjavur for questioning. He was later released on station bail on the same day. Stalin Jr accused the Vijay government of political vendetta and said he had no intention of insulting women. Without naming Udhayanidhi Stalin, Vijay also took a swipe at political leaders who make comments that cross the line."I’m not responsible if I’m talking with political motive. We have seen how many insults (former CM J) Jayalalithaa has faced in this Assembly. I repeat again, politically make any comments and that is freedom of speech. People are watching this," he said.‘POLICE NOT JUST FOR ARRESTS’Vijay said maintaining law and order was essential for development and that the police should not be limited to arresting accused persons."Only if law and order is maintained well does development begin. Hence, the police force is not only for arresting culprits but also the foundation for the state's development," he said."Police is a friend for those who follow the law and an enemy for those who don't," Vijay added.He said political leaders and officials should not interfere in police matters. "I have emphasised that whether it be a CM, minister or official, can't intervene in police matters," he said.Vijay also rejected the argument that individual crimes automatically indicated a deterioration in law and order."One crime can't determine deterioration of law and order. Hence, all the crimes didn't happen in the past 100 days," he said, adding that several factors, including people losing fear of the law, could contribute to crime.FOCUS ON WOMEN AND CYBERCRIMESVijay said crimes against women and children were a major concern for his government and that the police had been instructed to act immediately. "This government not just wants to take action against such crimes but also to stop them from happening," he said.He also flagged cybercrime as a growing challenge in the digital age, saying people ranging from students to senior citizens should be educated about responsible use of technology.Referring to a student's death in Coimbatore, Vijay said several people had been arrested and pointed to social problems and drugs as among the factors that could lead young people into crime.REITERATES ZERO TOLERANCE ON CORRUPTIONRepeating his vow to crack down on corruption, Vijay also warned government officials against corruption, saying his government would follow a policy of zero tolerance."An officer being arrested for corruption and name coming in the media affects the family as well. Hence, I ask government officials to work honestly," he said."This government will have zero tolerance towards corruption," the Chief Minister added.On custodial violence, Vijay said lock-up crime could not be treated as normal and promised transparent investigations."Lock-up crime is not a normal thing. Hence, a transparent investigation will be conducted by a magistrate. No protection is given just because a policeman is involved," he said.Vijay said 330 cases had been filed and more than 500 people arrested in Chennai, while reiterating that his government would focus not only on punishing offenders but also on preventing crime.- EndsPublished By: Karishma Saurabh KalitaPublished On: Sep 7, 2026 10:20 IST