TN Govt Scraps Astrologer’s Political OSD Role to CM Vijay Within 24 Hours

The Tamil Nadu government on Wednesday revoked its controversial order appointing astrologer Rickey Radhan Pandit Vettrivel as Officer on Special Duty ( OSD – Political ) to Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay , less than 24 hours after the announcement triggered a political storm across the State. The swift rollback came amid fierce criticism from opposition parties, alliance partners, and civil society groups, turning the episode into the first major controversy confronting the newly elected Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government.

The now-cancelled Government Order (GO), issued on Tuesday, had assigned Vettrivel a key political coordination role in the Chief Minister’s Office. However, the decision immediately sparked outrage, with critics questioning the appointment of an astrologer to an influential government position linked to political administration.

The controversy dominated proceedings in the Tamil Nadu Assembly on Wednesday. DMDK general secretary Premalatha Vijayakanth strongly condemned the move on the floor of the House, arguing that personal spiritual advisers should not be given official posts funded by taxpayers. Leaders from Left parties and several opposition benches also attacked the government, saying the appointment ran contrary to Tamil Nadu’s long-standing tradition of rationalist politics shaped by the Dravidian movement.

The backlash extended beyond the Assembly, with social media witnessing intense debate over the role of astrology and personal belief systems in governance. Critics argued that the appointment contradicted TVK’s promise of modern and youth-oriented administration during the 2026 Assembly elections.

Facing mounting pressure, the Vijay-led administration moved quickly to cancel the appointment. Official sources confirmed that the Government Order had been withdrawn with immediate effect, though no replacement for the position has yet been announced.

Vettrivel had gained visibility during the 2026 election campaign after publicly predicting Vijay’s electoral victory when many analysts remained uncertain about TVK’s prospects. Over the past several months, he became a familiar figure in TVK circles and television debates, often defending the party and its leadership.

The controversy has also triggered legal scrutiny, with reports indicating that a petition was moved before the Madras High Court questioning the constitutional validity of appointing an astrologer to a government role. Political observers believe the government’s rapid reversal was aimed at containing early reputational damage and avoiding a prolonged debate over the intersection of faith, politics, and public administration in Tamil Nadu.