TVK govt revokes astrologer Vettrivel’s OSD appointment after backlash

A day after Chief Minister Vijay’s astrologer Rickey Radhan Pandit Vettrivel was appointed as an Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to the Chief Minister (Political), the Tamil Nadu government revoked the order following a strong backlash from both TVK allies and the Opposition.

“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,” stated the order issued on Wednesday (May 13).

Allies raise questions

Leaders from alliance partners, particularly the Congress and the VCK, openly questioned the decision, arguing that the appointment sent a wrong message for a government that had repeatedly spoken about constitutional values and scientific temper.

Also Read: CM Vijay appoints astrologer Rickey Radhan Pandit Vettrivel as Political OSD

Earlier in the day, a lawyer made an urgent mention against the appointment of Vettrivel as Officer on Special Duty.

In a post on X, Congress MP Sasikanth Senthil said, "Beats me. Why would an astrologer require an OSD position ?? Can anyone explain."

VCK, Left join criticism

VCK general secretary D. Ravikumar was more direct. "This is unacceptable in a secular government. The Honorable Chief Minister should reconsider this," he wrote.

In another post, he stated: "The Tamil Nadu government should immediately withdraw this unscientific appointment that is against the Constitution!"

Also Read: Vijay's political gamble: Big crowds, bigger questions

Criticism also came from the CPI(M), whose leaders questioned the rationale behind giving an official government role to someone identified primarily with astrology.

"Appointing such a person as an officer at government expense will only serve to increase faith in astrology among the people... This appointment by the government is unacceptable! It is also unacceptable that he will provide political advice," said CPM Central Committee member Shanmugam P in a post.

Opposition seizes on issue

The opposition DMK too latched on to the issue, with party functionaries privately describing the move as politically damaging in a state where Dravidian politics has historically projected rationalism as a core ideological plank.