Tamil Nadu CM revokes controversial appointment following criticism from alliance partners over astrology-linked role.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay has removed party spokesperson Rickey Radhan Pandit Vettrivel from the post of Officer on Special Duty (OSD) after strong objections from alliance partners and political allies.
An official order issued by the Public (Estt-IV) Department on May 13 confirmed that the appointment, which had been made just a day earlier, was revoked with immediate effect.
“The orders issued regarding the appointment of Thiru Rickey Radhan Pandit Vettrivel as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to Chief Minister (Political) vide in the reference 2nd cited is hereby revoked,” the government order stated.
The order, signed by Principal Secretary Reeta Harish Thakkar, referred to a communication from the Chief Minister’s Office dated May 12, 2026.
The controversy erupted after Vijay appointed Vettrivel to the politically significant OSD role within the Chief Minister’s Office. The decision quickly attracted criticism because Vettrivel is widely known as an astrologer and a close confidant of the Chief Minister.
Ahead of the Assembly floor test, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) MLA Vaani Arasu publicly questioned the move and urged the government to uphold scientific thinking.
“Our government should give importance to scientific thinking and not astrology,” he said.
DMK spokesperson TKS Elangovan also criticised the appointment, saying, “What can an astrologer do? He can only make predictions.”
Several alliance partners, including the Manithaneya Jananayaga Katchi (MJK), Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK), VCK and the Communist Party of India (Marxist), reportedly conveyed their opposition to the appointment.
Over the last few years, Vettrivel has emerged as a visible figure within Vijay’s inner circle and has often accompanied the actor-turned-politician during important political and public events.
Following the launch of TVK, he was appointed as one of the party’s spokespersons and became active in television debates and political discussions defending the party’s positions.
He is widely believed to have played a key role in political coordination and communication for the party since its formation.
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