CM Vijay Revokes Astrologer’s OSD Appointment After Backlash

Chennai, May 13 (TNA) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on Wednesday revoked the appointment of his close aide and astrologer Rickey Radhan Pandit Vettrivel as Officer on Special Duty (Political) just a day after issuing the order, following widespread criticism from political allies and opponents.

The initial government notification, issued on Tuesday, had named Vettrivel, who had publicly predicted Vijay’s electoral victory last year and serves as a TVK spokesperson, as a political aide to assist with coordination and advisory functions in the Chief Minister’s Office.

The swift reversal came amid protests from coalition partners and parties across the political spectrum, who argued that appointing an astrologer to a key political post blurred the lines between personal belief and public governance and was inappropriate for a secular administration.

Opposition leaders, including voices from the Congress, left parties and regional outfits, criticised the move on social media and in press statements, saying such appointments undermine scientific temper and could set a worrying precedent.

Government sources said the circular revoking the order was issued shortly after the floor test and removed Vettrivel’s appointment with immediate effect; the office statement did not give detailed reasons but framed the decision as responsive to objections raised by political stakeholders.

Supporters of the chief minister defended the initial appointment as a recognition of Vettrivel’s long association with Vijay and his role in party affairs, while critics called for clearer norms on the selection of staff in political offices.