TVK Government Revokes Appointment of CM Vijay’s Astrologer as OSD After Widespread Backlash

Chennai, May 2026 : In a significant setback for the newly formed Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government, the appointment of Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay’s personal astrologer, Rickey Radhan Pandit Vettrivel, as Officer on Special Duty (OSD-Political) to the Chief Minister was withdrawn on Wednesday following sharp criticism from opposition parties, allies and social media users.

The decision came shortly after the Vijay-led government successfully won the confidence motion in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly.

Rickey Radhan Pandit Vettrivel had been appointed to the politically sensitive post through an official government order issued on Tuesday. Widely regarded as a close associate and confidant of Vijay, he had actively participated in the TVK’s Assembly election campaign and frequently appeared as one of the party’s spokespersons during media interactions.

He had also attracted public attention before the election results by predicting what he described as a “tsunami victory” for Vijay and the TVK alliance.

However, the appointment triggered immediate controversy, with critics questioning the appropriateness of granting an astrologer an official government designation funded by public money.

The issue soon reached the floor of the Assembly during discussions on the confidence motion moved by Chief Minister Vijay. Several legislators strongly objected to the appointment, placing the newly formed government under pressure within hours of assuming office.

Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) MLA Vanni Arasu criticised the move, stating that the government should promote scientific thinking and rational values rather than encourage astrology and superstition in public administration.

DMDK leader Premalatha Vijayakanth also questioned the decision, arguing that if Rickey Radhan Pandit was merely a personal adviser to the Chief Minister, he could have continued in a private capacity without being given an official government role.

She further expressed concern over the message such appointments would send to educated youth and society at large.

The controversy rapidly spread beyond the Assembly, sparking intense reactions on social media platforms. Congress MP and former IAS officer Sasikanth Senthil criticised the move online and questioned why an astrologer needed to be appointed as an OSD in the government.

Leaders from Left parties also joined the criticism. CPI(M) State Secretary P. Shanmugam and CPI leader M. Veerapandian condemned the appointment, arguing that it contradicted constitutional principles, secular governance and the promotion of scientific temper.

Rickey Radhan Pandit’s official website claims he had earlier maintained close links with former Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa and had advised sections of the AIADMK leadership on numerology, electoral strategy and political matters during critical phases of the party’s history.

Facing mounting criticism from multiple political quarters and sections of the public, the TVK government eventually withdrew the appointment order on Wednesday in an apparent attempt to contain the controversy.