Actress Ranjana Nachiyar joined the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam on Thursday in the presence of party president and Chief Minister M. K. Stalin at Anna Arivalayam in Chennai.
Speaking to reporters after joining the party, Ranjana launched a sharp attack on Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, stating that she quit the outfit due to what she described as “continuous disrespect” towards women. She alleged that the party leadership was not approachable and failed to address the concerns and grievances of its cadres.
Ranjana further accused actor-politician Vijay of fostering an environment where women were not given due respect. She also criticised him over the use of imagery related to her ancestor, Rani Velu Nachiyar, claiming it was inappropriate and insensitive.
Tracing her political journey, Ranjana noted that she had earlier been associated with the Bharatiya Janata Party for about eight years before quitting in February 2025. Her exit from the BJP came amid the language row, where she sided with regional parties in opposing Hindi imposition and supported the continuation of the dual language policy of Tamil and English.
Following her departure from the BJP, she joined TVK, but her stint there was short-lived due to internal differences. With her latest move to the DMK, Ranjana expressed hope of working in an environment that, she said, respects women and values grassroots workers.
Her entry into the DMK comes at a politically significant time in Tamil Nadu, adding another voice to the ongoing debates around leadership, party structure, and women’s role in politics.