CHENNAI — In a move that has quickly sparked controversy just days after assuming office, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay has appointed his personal astrologer, Rickey Radhan Pandit Vettrivel, as an Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to the Chief Minister (Political). The decision has triggered immediate and sharp pushback from the coalition partners supporting his newly formed government, who argue the appointment undermines the state’s secular fabric.
An official government order issued on Tuesday confirmed the appointment, stating that Vettrivel would take charge as OSD “with effect from the date of joining.” The position typically involves handling critical political coordination and liaison work directly tied to the Chief Minister’s office.
The Man Behind the Move
Rickey Radhan Pandit Vettrivel is a well-known astrologer and spiritual mentor who has reportedly practiced astrology for nearly four decades. He is widely believed to have been a key adviser to Vijay throughout his transition from actor to politician.
Vettrivel notably predicted the landslide victory of Vijay’s party, the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), well before the election results were announced. His influence is reportedly significant; political insiders suggest that Vijay’s swearing-in ceremony was advanced from its originally scheduled time of 3:45 PM to 10:00 AM on Sunday based on Vettrivel’s recommendation of a more auspicious muhurat.
Severe Backlash from Allies
The decision has caused immediate friction within Vijay’s coalition. The TVK, which won 108 seats in the 234-member assembly, relies on the support of allies like the Congress, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), CPI, and CPI(M) to maintain its majority. These very allies are now the loudest critics of the new OSD.
- Congress: MP Sasikanth Senthil took to social media to question the logic behind the move, asking, “Beats me. Why would an astrologer require an OSD position?? Can anyone explain.”
- CPI(M): State Secretary P. Shanmugam criticized the decision for contradicting the government’s responsibility to promote a scientific outlook. “Appointing such a person as an official at government expense will only serve to increase faith in astrology among the people,” he stated, calling the move “unacceptable.”
- VCK: General Secretary D. Ravikumar echoed these sentiments, directly urging the Chief Minister to reverse the decision, stating, “This is unacceptable in a secular government.”
A Crucial Timing
The controversy arrives at a highly sensitive moment for the actor-turned-politician. The TVK government has sought to project itself as a champion of social justice and rationalist principles, aligning with the historical Dravidian politics of Tamil Nadu. Appointing a spiritual adviser to a powerful administrative role has immediately challenged that narrative.
Furthermore, the friction emerges just as Vijay prepares to face a crucial trust vote in the assembly today, May 13. While the disagreement with his secular coalition partners has not yet threatened the survival of his nascent government, it marks the first major administrative hurdle and ideological clash for the new Chief Minister.