Udhayanidhi Stalin faces online fury over 'Trisha' remark. Internet reacts

DMK leader and Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin is facing mounting criticism for his controversial remark, widely interpreted as being aimed at actor Trisha, during a protest over the Cauvery water dispute in Thanjavur on Monday. After singer Chinmayi Sripaada and actor-politician Khushbu Sundar condemned the comment, social media users have also expressed outrage, calling the remark "cheap", "disrespectful" and unbecoming of a public leader.The controversy erupted after Udhayanidhi made the remark while criticising Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay's silence on the ongoing Cauvery water dispute. Many interpreted the comment as a sexual innuendo involving Trisha, triggering widespread backlash online.Within hours of making the remark, Udhayanidhi was arrested by the police. In his first response to India Today, he defended himself, saying, "You decide, you heard the speech. Did I say something wrong? Did I take anybody's name except the Chief Minister?"Internet reacts to Udhayanidhi's remarkSeveral users said political leaders should refrain from dragging women into political attacks. One user wrote, "Respect women. How can you say anything dirty about women in public places? You have mother wife daughter at your home how you will face them. Trisha stay strong." Another user posted, "Every political leader who abuses or shames a women in public needs to be behind bars... whoever it is."'What he spoke was not okay'While some users argued that the 'Trisha' chants raised by the crowd had prompted Udhayanidhi's response, they maintained that his remark crossed the line. One user wrote, "People shouted Trisha right? It turned as Trisha va pesitan nu. But anyway what he spoke was not ok."Another commented, "It's not for Trisha... How can this idiot speak abusive manner in front of thousand of people... First u need to understand what is the context."The controversy also spilled into the political arena, with some users accusing the DMK of prioritising political attacks over public issues.One post read, "Let this sink in. The cadres never hit the streets for common folk. But the speed and intensity of the protests over this reveal the party's real priorities. It clearly shows who matters more to the leader!"Here are some more reactions:The remarks have sparked widespread debate online, with many calling for greater decorum in political discourse and demanding that women be kept out of personal attacks.What happened at the press conference?The criticism comes after a video from the DMK's Cauvery protest in Thanjavur went viral. While attacking Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay over the state's handling of Cauvery river dispute between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, Udhayanidhi was interrupted by supporters chanting "Trisha, Trisha."Smiling, the DMK leader responded with a remark that many viewed as a sexual innuendo and as a reference to Vijay's friendship with Trisha, before clarifying that he was referring to the Cauvery. The explanation, however, failed to quell the outrage, with critics arguing that the comment was inappropriate.Tamil Nadu Police registered a case against Udhayanidhi Stalin and a team of policemen was seen outside the leader's residence in Chennai. Meanwhile, Stalin has moved the Madras High Court seeking anticipatory bail. The court is scheduled to hear Udhayanidhi’s plea in the afternoon.- EndsPublished On: Aug 4, 2026 14:06 IST