July 11, 2026 10:54 am (IST)
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Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu CM Vijay revokes astrologer’s appointment as OSD after political backlash
Chennai/IBNS: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay has revoked the appointment of his astrologer, Rickey Radhan Pandit Vettrivel, as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) in the Chief Minister’s Office following sharp criticism from alliance partners and opposition parties.
The decision came less than a day after Vettrivel was appointed to the post, triggering a political controversy across the state.
Appointment triggered criticism
The appointment drew immediate objections from parties that support the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam government, including the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and the Communist Party of India.
Ahead of the Assembly floor test, VCK MLA Vaani Arasu urged the government to uphold scientific and rational thinking rather than promote practices widely regarded as superstition.
“Our government should give importance to scientific thinking and not astrology,” she said.
Left parties raise concerns
Leaders of the CPI(M) and CPI echoed similar concerns.
CPI(M) state secretary P. Shanmugam said the government had a responsibility to promote scientific temper and rational thinking.
He argued that appointing an astrologer to a publicly funded government position would send the wrong message.
CPI state secretary M. Veerapandian also criticised the decision.
The controversy revived comparisons with former Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa and her reported reliance on astrologers.
Premalatha Vijayakanth, leader of the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam, said the appointment set a poor example, particularly for young voters who had supported Vijay.
“If he is your guru, keep him in your personal capacity. The youth have voted for you. You have to explain what example you are setting for youngsters and the future,” she said.
Although the VCK and Left parties did not withdraw their support from the TVK government, their criticism increased pressure on the Chief Minister.
Soon after the Assembly floor test, Vijay had indicated that the appointment would be reconsidered in light of concerns raised by several political parties.
Shortly after his statement, the government formally cancelled Vettrivel’s appointment as Officer on Special Duty in the Chief Minister’s Office.
#Vijay astrologer appointment
# Rickey Vettrivel
# TVK government
# Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay
# OSD appointment cancelled
# VCK criticism
# CPI
# CPM
# Tamil Nadu politics
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