DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin has drawn criticism after making a remark about actor Trisha during a Cauvery protest in Thanjavur that many critics described as carrying a double meaning.
The comment came during a protest attended by thousands against Karnataka's alleged failure to release Tamil Nadu's share of Cauvery water.
While addressing the gathering, the Tamil Nadu Leader of Opposition was criticising Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay's handling of the Cauvery issue when sections of the crowd began chanting, "Trisha, Trisha."
"Not even a drop of Cauvery water has been received. But has the Chief Minister opened his mouth about it? No. He has only one concern," Udhayanidhi said.
As the crowd continued chanting the actor's name, he alleged that the Chief Minister was focused only on filing "false cases" against the DMK.
Udhayanidhi then said, "Whether the water reaches anywhere else or not, it should reach there," before smiling and clarifying that he was referring to the Cauvery.
The video of the exchange quickly went viral on social media, with several users accusing the DMK leader of making an inappropriate and suggestive remark about the actor during what was presented as a protest over the Cauvery water dispute.
TAMIL NADU APPROACHES SUPREME COURT
The controversy coincided with the Tamil Nadu government's move to approach the Supreme Court against Karnataka, alleging that the neighbouring state had failed to release its allocated share of Cauvery water despite directions from the Cauvery Water Management Authority and the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee.
The petition was filed on Monday following instructions from Chief Minister Vijay after Karnataka allegedly did not release the required quantity of water despite repeated directives from the river management authorities.
Tamil Nadu contended that Karnataka had failed to release even the volume of water ordered by the Cauvery Water Management Authority.
Based on legal advice from senior counsel, the state government sought directions from the Supreme Court to ensure Karnataka complied with the authority's orders and released Tamil Nadu's rightful share within the prescribed timeline.
The Cauvery dispute has once again emerged as a key political issue in Tamil Nadu, with the ruling government facing criticism from the Opposition over its handling of water-sharing negotiations with Karnataka.
