TVK government does not want Udhayanidhi in Tamil Nadu Assembly, charges M.K. Stalin

On Tuesday, August 4, 2026, DMK president M.K. Stalin alleged that the arrest of Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin by the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government was a tactic to divert attention from the ongoing Cauvery water dispute. He claimed that the government had disregarded Udhayanidhi's constitutional position as the Leader of the Opposition by taking him to Thanjavur and attempting to intimidate him.

The Assembly session, scheduled to begin on August 5 for the presentation of the State Budget, was seen as an opportunity for the government to prevent Udhayanidhi's presence in the House. Stalin questioned the government's decision to take Udhayanidhi to Thanjavur, noting that the interrogation could have been conducted in Chennai, and the sections used made it difficult for him to secure bail.

He accused the government of forcing a retreat after facing public protests and highlighted the High Court's direction to release Udhayanidhi. Stalin also criticized the government for arresting four individuals for social media posts critical of the administration, including former Minister Anitha R. Radhakrishnan and incumbent Vilathikulam MLA Markandayan.

He stated that students had been prevented from protesting against NEET and that protesters were denied access to Marina Beach. Stalin emphasized that Udhayanidhi's arrest was part of the government's broader attempt to suppress the Opposition and condemned political leaders who condemned Udhayanidhi without verifying his actual statements.

He stated that Udhayanidhi did not use obscene language and would have apologized if he had. Stalin demanded the immediate release of DMK cadres arrested while staging protests for Udhayanidhi's release, warning that arrogance could lead to destruction.