Udhayanidhi Stalin Criticises TVK Government Over Arrests at DMK Legal Wing Meeting

Chennai: Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin on Sunday criticised the TVK government during an address to the DMK legal wing, condemning what he termed a growing pattern of arrests targeting political opponents, peaceful protesters, and youth activists.

Addressing the party's lawyers in Chennai, the former Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister described the administration's actions as "fascist" and accused authorities of detaining individuals simply for exercising speech or posting on social media platforms. He claimed that the government is operating out of a deep sense of insecurity, acting as if it maintains a daily schedule of political arrests.

Udhayanidhi also spoke about his own arrest on August 4, which followed allegations regarding a "double-meaning" remark alluding to actor Trisha and insulting her modesty. He stated that police arrived at his residence at 8 am while he was reading the newspaper, adding that the DMK legal team acted swiftly at the Madras High Court to secure justice.

The DMK leader alleged that the state government was deliberately targeting young activists and "Gen-Z youth" who voice support for the party's ideology. He asserted that the administration aims to instill fear among their families and urged the DMK legal wing to function as an unbreakable fortress to protect young individuals facing legal action.

Outlining priorities for the legal team, Udhayanidhi called upon the lawyers to systematically expose government irregularities, including alleged corruption in the appointment of government pleaders, and to follow up on public grievances through the judicial system. Recalling the party's history under DMK patriarch M Karunanidhi and party president M K Stalin, he urged lawyers to remain united and active in the field until the party president returns to the Chief Minister's office.

During the meeting, the DMK legal wing adopted a resolution strongly condemning the TVK government for arresting Udhayanidhi after he spoke in support of farmers in Thanjavur. In a second resolution, the wing condemned the state administration for failing to take action against individuals circulating defamatory remarks against the Leader of the Opposition on social media.