Vijay Appoints Close Aide Vettrivel as Political OSD in CM’s Office

Chennai, May 2026 : In a significant political appointment by the newly formed Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on Tuesday appointed his close aide, astrologer and party spokesperson Rickey Radhan Pandit Vettrivel, as Officer on Special Duty (Political) to the Chief Minister.

The appointment was formally confirmed through a government order issued by the Principal Secretary to the Government. According to the order, Vettrivel will function as the political aide to Chief Minister Vijay and assist the Chief Minister’s Office in matters related to political coordination, advisory functions and communication strategy.

The move assumes importance as the Vijay-led government has begun putting in place its administrative and political framework after assuming office following the recently concluded Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

Vettrivel, who is widely known in political and media circles for his close association with Vijay, has emerged as a prominent figure around the actor-turned-politician over the past few years. He has frequently accompanied Vijay during major political developments and public engagements, particularly after the launch of the TVK.

Following the formation of the party, Vettrivel was appointed as one of the official spokespersons of the TVK and became actively involved in articulating the party’s stand on television debates and other public forums. Party insiders say he has played a key role in political messaging, internal coordination and maintaining communication channels between the leadership and party functionaries.

Sources in political circles describe Vettrivel as part of Vijay’s trusted inner circle and someone who has remained closely involved in the party’s strategic planning since its inception. His appointment to an official government position is being viewed as a reflection of the Chief Minister’s preference for relying on trusted associates as the new administration settles into governance.

The decision has also sparked political discussion in Tamil Nadu, with opposition parties and political observers closely monitoring the evolving structure of the Chief Minister’s Office under the TVK government. While supporters of the ruling party defended the appointment as a decision based on loyalty and confidence, critics questioned the increasing influence of non-traditional political personalities in official administrative roles.

Political analysts believe the appointment signals Vijay’s intention to maintain a tightly coordinated political advisory structure around him during the early phase of his government. The Chief Minister has already initiated several administrative and policy decisions since taking office on May 10, aimed at projecting a distinct style of governance and strengthening the party’s organisational control over the administration.

Observers note that the appointment of a dedicated political Officer on Special Duty could help the Chief Minister manage coordination between the government, party leadership and alliance partners more effectively, especially as the TVK government navigates its initial months in office.

The development comes at a time when the new government is attempting to consolidate its authority in the state and establish a governance model that reflects the political identity projected by Vijay during the election campaign.

With Vettrivel now formally entering the Chief Minister’s Office in an official capacity, the appointment is expected to strengthen the political coordination mechanism around the Chief Minister and further reinforce the influence of Vijay’s trusted associates within the new administration.