The TVK government on Wednesday, 13 May 2026, revoked the appointment of astrologer Rickey Radhan Pandit Vettrivel as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, barely a day after the controversial appointment was announced.
The sudden reversal came after sharp criticism erupted from allies and political leaders, including members of the Congress, CPI(M) and Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), who questioned the appointment of an astrologer to a key government position in a regime that claims adherence to secular and rationalist principles.
Congress MP Sasikanth Senthil publicly criticised the move, asking why an astrologer required an official government position. CPI(M) state secretary P Shanmugam said the appointment directly contradicted the constitutional responsibility of governments to promote rational and scientific thinking among citizens.
He argued that appointing an astrologer at government expense would only strengthen public belief in astrology and superstition. “This appointment by the government is unacceptable. It is also unacceptable that this individual will provide political advice,” he said.
VCK general secretary D Ravikumar also objected to the decision, stating that such an appointment was “unacceptable in a secular government” and urging the Chief Minister to reconsider it.
The controversy gained additional attention because Rickey Radhan Pandit had reportedly predicted Vijay’s electoral victory nearly a year ago and has been seen alongside the actor-turned-politician during several political and personal events in recent years.
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