Tamil Nadu CM Vijay withdraws astrologer’s appointment amid criticism

Chennai: Tamil Nadu chief minister Vijay on Wednesday revoked the appointment of his astrologer, Rickey Radhan Pandit Vettrivel, as Officer on Special Duty (OSD), just a day after naming him to the post. The move came after Vijay drew flak from both Opposition and allies over the appointment.

Immediately after the floor test, the government issued a circular saying, "The orders issued regarding the appointment of Thiru Rickey Radhan Pandit Vettrivel as Officer on Special Duty to the chief minister (Political), vide in reference 2nd cited, is hereby revoked."

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Vettrivel, widely known as both an astrologer and a spokesperson for the Tamizhaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), has been a close aide to Vijay during the recent election campaign in Tamil Nadu.

The appointment triggered a major controversy, with parties like Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), CPI(M), and CPI - all of which extended support to the TVK government - openly criticising the move. They claimed that personal beliefs should not shape governance.

In a post on X, Congress MP Sasikanth Senthil wrote, "Beats me. Why would an astrologer require an OSD position?? Can anyone explain?" VCK general secretary D Ravikumar also termed the move unacceptable in a secular government.