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Ranjana Nachiyar, former women’s wing leader of the Tamiliga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), stated on Friday, March 27, that she resigned from TVK owing to concerns over the party’s treatment of women members. Ranjana, who joined the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) a week ago, submitted a police complaint alleging that actor-turned-politician Vijay’s TVK’s ‘virtual warriors’ indulged in character assassination and cyber bullying against her.
“I was akka (elder sister) to TVK members when I was in the party. Once I quit, I was targeted," Ranjana told the media. She further claimed that women who left the party were subjected to vulgar abuse and threatening phone calls.
She also alleged that Vijay made “unacceptable speeches regarding women” and failed to engage with party cadres. Ranjana also submitted a complaint to the Tamil Nadu state Women’s Commission detailing instances of abuse allegedly directed at her through YouTube videos after she voiced dissent.
TVK’s general secretary, Aadhav Arjuna, has been actively managing the party's digital strategy and appearing frequently on political media.
Ranjana quit TVK a few weeks ago, after news emerged that Vijay’s wife had filed for divorce, accusing him of harassment. Citing contradictions between Vijay’s personal life and his professional promises, Ranjana left the party and joined the DMK.
“All women who quit the party are abused using vulgar words and receive threatening calls. Vijay must take accountability and act against such behaviour by his party’s virtual supporters,” she said, adding that fear of harassment discourages women from leaving the party.
Ranjana also criticised Vijay, accusing him of engaging in “political drama” to attract votes.