'Three-language policy and neglect of Tamil Nadu unacceptable': Actor Ranjana Nachiyaar quits BJP

NEW DELHI: Actor-turned-politician

Ranjana Nachiyaar

on Tuesday resigned from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), citing disagreement over the party's stance on the

three-language policy

under

New Education Policy

and alleged "neglect of Tamil Nadu."
She announced her decision through a letter, saying that she is stepping down from all responsibilities, including her primary membership, effective immediately.

Nachiyaar, who served in various roles within the BJP for over eight years, said she joined the party believing it to be one that upholds patriotism, national security, and religious values.

However, she expressed dissatisfaction with nationalism and spirituality being confined to a narrow perspective rather than being inclusive for all Indians.
She also criticised the imposition of the three-language policy, the perceived bias against

Dravidian ideology

, and what she described as the continuous neglect of Tamil Nadu. "For the nation to be protected, Tamil Nadu must prosper. The three-language policy, hatred towards Dravidian ideology, and continuous neglect of Tamil Nadu are things I, as a Tamil woman, cannot accept or support," she wrote.
In her resignation letter, Nachiyaar highlighted challenges faced by

women in politics

, alleging that despite her performance, the party failed to provide an environment conducive to her growth. She mentioned that it is difficult for women to emerge as political leaders and that hindrances to their progress question the very existence of women in politics.
Announcing her next steps, she stated that she is embarking on a new journey to create her own movement and organisation, prioritising women's advancement. "This is now my mission and purpose," she said.
Nachiyaar expressed gratitude to those who supported her during her time in the BJP and thanked her colleagues who worked alongside her. She concluded by stating that she is setting out on a "revolutionary journey" dedicated to public service.
Her resignation comes amid renewed tensions over the three-language policy after Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan recently stated in Varanasi that Tamil Nadu must accept the policy as part of the Indian Constitution.
Tamil Nadu's government has consistently opposed the policy, arguing that it imposes Hindi on the Tamil-speaking state. The state has also accused the central government of withholding funds to pressure compliance with the New Education Policy.