Tamil Nadu BJP Chief Nainar Nagendran Apologizes After Outrage Over Remarks on Actor Trisha

New Delhi, February 16, 2026: In a significant climbdown following widespread public and political backlash, Tamil Nadu BJP State President Nainar Nagendran has expressed “heartfelt regrets” for his controversial remarks involving popular South Indian actor Trisha Krishnan. The apology came on Monday after the actor issued a stern legal notice and public condemnation, calling the leader’s comments “distasteful and inappropriate.”

The Controversy: A Political Jab Turned Personal

The row began over the weekend during a press interaction where Nagendran was questioning the political experience of actor-turned-politician Vijay, who recently launched his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).

While mocking Vijay’s ambitions for the upcoming 2026 Assembly elections, Nagendran made a personal reference involving Trisha, suggesting that Vijay should focus on ground realities instead of his personal associations. The remark, which many deemed sexist and derogatory, quickly went viral, drawing sharp criticism for dragging a woman’s name into a political rivalry to which she has no connection.

Trisha’s Sharp Rebuttal

Refusing to stay silent, Trisha Krishnan took to social media to call out the “crass” nature of the comments. Through her legal advisor, she issued a formal statement asserting her strict political neutrality and professional focus.

“Disrespect should and always will be called out,” Trisha posted on her social media accounts.

Her legal notice emphasized that personal lives should never be the subject of public discourse, especially by individuals holding high-ranking political offices. The statement further clarified that she has no affiliation with any political party and wishes to be defined solely by her craft in the film industry.

Nagendran’s Apology: “A Statement Made by Mistake”

Facing pressure from within his own party and a united front of opposition leaders—including DMK’s Kanimozhi, who slammed the “uncivilized” nature of the attack—Nagendran issued a clarification in Madurai.

• The Admission: Nagendran described the comment as a “statement made by mistake” during a heated political discussion.
• The Regret: “If my statement has hurt anyone, especially the actor, I express my heartfelt regrets,” he told reporters.
• Party Intervention: He noted that senior party leaders, including former state president K. Annamalai and National Women’s Wing chief Vanathi Srinivasan, had spoken to him regarding the matter.

The Road Ahead

This controversy comes at a delicate time as Tamil Nadu gears up for the 2026 Assembly Elections. With Nainar Nagendran having recently taken over the mantle of State President from K. Annamalai in 2025, the party is under intense scrutiny to maintain a professional image while challenging the ruling DMK and the rising influence of Vijay’s TVK.