The rally took a controversial turn when members of the crowd began chanting "Trisha, Trisha". Pausing his speech, Udhayanidhi responded with what critics described as a double entendre, triggering sharp criticism from opposition leaders and social media users. Reacting to the remarks, Tamil Nadu BJP chief spokesperson Narayanan Thirupathy described them as "disgusting, obscene, vulgar and shameful". "Arresting and imprisoning Udhayanidhi Stalin for this low-grade speech would bring more credit to the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister than arresting Markandeyan (DMK MLA). Neither Udhayanidhi Stalin nor the DMK had issued a response to the criticism at the time of writing.