NEW DELHI: Madras high court on Tuesday directed the Tamil Nadu Police to release DMK leader and former deputy chief minister Udhayanidhi Stalin after questioning him over his alleged “double meaning” remark made during a protest in Thanjavur over the Cauvery water-sharing dispute.The court issued the direction after the Tamil Nadu government informed it that Udhayanidhi would be released on station bail following the inquiry.Hours after the leader of the opposition was detained over remarks allegedly targeting chief minister C Joseph Vijay, Advocate General P S Raman told the court that Udhayanidhi would not be kept in custody after questioning.The submission was made during the hearing of Udhayanidhi’s anticipatory bail plea. Recording the government’s assurance, Justice G K Ilanthiraiyan directed the police to ensure that his detention was not prolonged and that he was released before the end of the day.The political confrontation unfolded after Udhayanidhi led a protest in Thanjavur against the ruling TVK government’s handling of the Cauvery water-sharing dispute and Karnataka’s proposed Mekedatu dam project.

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During his speech, Udhayanidhi accused chief minister C Joseph Vijay of showing little interest in resolving the Cauvery issue or protecting farmers’ interests.At one point, a section of DMK supporters began chanting the name of a Tamil actress, apparently suggesting that Vijay’s priorities lay elsewhere. Udhayanidhi paused, smiled and said, “The water should come there, irrespective of where it is supposed to come from.”As the crowd erupted in cheers and laughter, he added, “No. I was referring only to the Cauvery,” prompting another round of applause and laughter.