Udhayanidhi Arrest Triggers Fresh DMK-TVK Political Showdown

The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) on Tuesday condemned the arrest of its Youth Wing Secretary and Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin, alleging that the TVK government had registered a false case against him after he criticised the ruling dispensation over the Cauvery issue. In a statement, the DMK alleged that Udhayanidhi had spoken about the Cauvery issue during a protest without naming any individual and questioned the allegations that he had used obscene or double-entendre remarks. The party claimed that instead of responding to the issues raised by the Leader of the Opposition, the TVK government had resorted to filing a false case against him. The DMK also alleged that leaders associated with the ruling dispensation had themselves made objectionable remarks in the past and questioned their criticism of Udhayanidhi's speech.