Kangana backs police action against Udhayanidhi, says 'vulgar jokes' unacceptable

Kangana Ranaut said DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin's detention over his remarks at a public rally sets a "good precedent". Reacting on Instagram Stories on Wednesday, the actor and BJP MP said public display of "filthy abuses, double-meaning obscene and vulgar jokes" was not acceptable in any civilised society.Her response came a day after the Tamil Nadu Police detained the Leader of the Opposition from his Chennai residence over remarks many interpreted as referring to actor Trisha Krishnan during a speech on the Cauvery water issue. The ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), headed by Chief Minister Vijay, had filed complaints with the police and the National Commission for Women, and an FIR was later registered.The 40-year-old wrote, "Public display of filthy abuses, double-meaning obscene and vulgar jokes is not acceptable to any civilised society. Mr Stalin was sent to jail for the offence; he might be out on bail by now, but it is a good precedent (sic)." What Udhayanidhi said after detentionSpeaking to reporters from inside the police van after his detention, Udhayanidhi called the episode "a comedy". He said he had not named anyone and had not spoken in bad taste. "I am ready to face the consequences, and I am not afraid of arrest," he said, while again insisting that he had not said anything wrong against anybody.In another interaction during his detention, Udhayanidhi said, "I have not said anything wrong. Did I name anyone other than Vijay?" He termed the police action "vengeful" and said, "Let the court decide". Veteran DMK leader TR Baalu also defended him. Baalu said Udhayanidhi had not mentioned anyone or referred to any particular woman. "These are cooked-up false stories," he said about the allegations against the Leader of the Opposition.The speech and the controversyAt the rally, Udhayanidhi was speaking about the decades-old Cauvery water-sharing dispute and accused the state government of failing to secure Tamil Nadu's share of water. In Tamil, he said, "Our CM is not opening his mouth about the Cauvery water issue. He's more worried about putting false cases on the DMK." During the speech, someone in the audience shouted Trisha's name. Udhayanidhi then paused, smiled and made an apparent remark about Trisha and Cauvery as people around him cheered and hooted.The remark was widely criticised by political opponents, who described it as vulgar, derogatory towards women and a double entendre. The controversy quickly escalated after the speech, with complaints being filed before the police and the National Commission for Women.- EndsPublished By: Priyanka SharmaPublished On: Aug 4, 2026 18:54 IST