Reels creator, dummy CM: Stalin's big attack on Vijay over Udhayanidhi's arrest

MK Stalin was unsparing in his criticism of Vijay over Udhayanidhi's arrest, calling him an inept and dummy Chief Minister. Earlier in the day, the Leader of the Opposition was arrested over his alleged remark on actor Trisha.

In Short

• Stalin accuses Vijay of using police to hide failure on Cauvery issue
• Udhayanidhi Stalin arrested over 'vulgar' remark linked to actor Trisha
• Madras High Court orders his release after questioning

In his sharpest attack on Vijay, MK Stalin on Tuesday called him an "inept" and "dummy chief minister" as tensions simmered between the DMK and the ruling TVK over the dramatic arrest of Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin. In a hard-hitting statement, Stalin warned that arrogance leads to destruction, accusing the Vijay government of using police action to divert attention from its "failure" to protect the state's interests on the Cauvery water issue.

Even though the Madras High Court ordered the release of Udhayanidhi, the DMK supremo was unsparing in his criticism of Vijay. The Leader of the Opposition was arrested from his Chennai residence earlier in the day over a vulgar remark that was widely interpreted as an allusion to actor Trisha, a close friend of Vijay.

WHAT MK STALIN SAID ON CM VIJAY?

The former Chief Minister claimed that the police action was nothing but an attempt to conceal the government's glaring failure on the Cauvery issue or oppose neighbouring Karnataka's Mekedatu dam.

"An inept dummy Chief Minister can't bring Cauvery water, can't even speak up to stop the Mekedatu dam," Stalin said.

He also claimed that while farmers were suffering, the TVK ministers were shedding tears watching Vijay's film (Jana Nayagan). "A joker Cabinet is in place in Tamil Nadu," Stalin said.

Stalin made it clear that his son did not say anything vulgar in his speech, nor did he mention anyone. "Even if he makes mistakes, he apologises immediately," he said.

Udhayanidhi made the alleged objectionable remark on Monday during a protest held in Thanjavur against the Vijay government's handling of the Cauvery water dispute. It was widely viewed in the context of Vijay's friendship with Trisha.

The TVK government has come under fire from the DMK after Karnataka failed to release the required amount of Cauvery water despite directions from the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA).

Tied to it is Karnataka's proposed and contentious Mekedatu dam project, which is close to where the Cauvery enters Tamil Nadu. Tamil Nadu has objected to the project, maintaining that increased upstream storage could enable Karnataka to regulate water flows.

STALIN SLAMS 'FASCIST' TVK

In his statement, Stalin also questioned the timing of the arrest - a day before the start of the Budget session. He also ridiculed the TVK government's submission in the High Court that it had no intention of arresting Udhayanidhi.

"If the purpose is to conduct a probe or question him, why not do it in Chennai? Why take him to Thanjavur?" Stalin said. The former Chief Minister underscored that the Madras High Court's directive was a resounding blow to the "fascist" TVK.

Stepping up his attack, Stalin accused the Vijay government of suppressing dissent since assuming office in June.

"Since coming to power, Vijay has been focused solely on arresting those who criticise him, his ministers, and the government... Instead of striving to fulfil promises, Vijay is content to roam as a mere reels creator. He must now awaken to his responsibilities," Stalin said.

The actor-turned-politician has frequently come under fire from the DMK, which has accused Vijay of turning official engagements - from a recent metro inspection to government meetings - into heavily publicised events.

Before signing off, Stalin issued a stark warning for the newbie TVK government. "Arrogance paves the way for destruction. Persistent arrogance hastens destruction!" he said.

- Ends