Udhayanidhi’s alleged vulgar jibe at Trisha at TN farmers’ protest sparks row
While criticising Vijay govt over alleged incompetence in resolving farmers’ issues, DMK leader referred to CM's ties with Trisha in an allegedly offensive manner
A remark by Leader of the Opposition in Tamil Nadu Assembly and DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin, alluding to actress Trisha Krishnan, during a farmers’ protest over the Cauvery water crisis in Thanjavur on Monday triggered sharp controversy, with videos circulating widely on social media.
Farmers' protest
The demonstration, organised by the DMK against the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government’s handling of the Cauvery issue and farmers’ distress, was led by Udhayanidhi. Participants highlighted the dry state of Cauvery delta rivers even on ‘Aadi Perukku’ (a Hindu festival), and rued that the delayed release of water from Mettur Dam has affected Kuruvai cultivation.
They also pointed to shortfalls against Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) allocations, raised concerns over Karnataka’s Mekedatu project, and demanded that the government declare a drought and grant farmers a relief of ₹25,000 per acre.
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Udhayanidhi strongly criticised Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, describing him as an “administratively incompetent dummy chief minister” responsible for the state’s predicament. He accused the government of distraction tactics, focusing on reels and inspections of prior schemes rather than addressing farmers’ tears, and questioned whether Vijay had met Tamil Nadu farmers before any planned outreach to Karnataka.
He also criticised the chief minister’s alleged silence on the arrest of Tamil Nadu farmers in Maharashtra while en route to a Delhi protest on Mekedatu, linking it to reluctance to criticise the BJP-ruled state.
Double entendre
During the speech, sections of the crowd chanted “Trisha, Trisha.” Reports and circulating clips indicate that Udhayanidhi responded with a double entendre, a remark involving “water” in the context of the Cauvery shortfall and Trisha, followed by a clarification that he was referring to the river, while smirking as the chants continued.
Many mainstream outlets have avoided quoting the precise Tamil phrasing, describing it as vulgar or inappropriate.
The TVK has not responded to Udhayanidhi’s remarks or the controversy so far.