Chennai: Tamil Nadu Vijay on Wednesday revoked the appointment of his close aide and astrologer Rickey Radhan Pandit Vettrivel as Officer on Special Duty (Political) to the Chief Minister, a day after the decision triggered criticism from allies and opposition parties.
The Tamil Nadu government issued a fresh circular announcing that the earlier order appointing Vettrivel to the post had been withdrawn.
CM Vijay’s TVK govt wins floor test in Tamil Nadu with 144 votes
Appointment Revoked Within A Day
The revocation came shortly after the floor test in the Tamil Nadu Assembly. In its official communication, the government stated that the previous order to Vettrivel’s appointment as OSD to the Chief Minister stood cancelled.
The move followed growing political criticism over the inclusion of an astrologer in an official government role.
Several parties questioned the decision, arguing that personal beliefs should remain separate from governance and administrative appointments.
Who Is Rickey Radhan Pandit Vettrivel?
Vettrivel is known as a close associate of Vijay and has often been seen accompanying the actor-turned-politician during political and personal events.
Following the launch of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), he became one of the party’s official spokespersons and regularly represented the party during television debates and public discussions.
According to the original government order issued on Tuesday, Vettrivel was expected to assist the Chief Minister in political coordination and advisory matters within the Chief Minister’s Office.
From Astrology to Administration… CM Vijay’s Close Aide Appointed OSD
Opposition And Allies Raise Concerns
The appointment sparked criticism from both opposition parties and some alliance leaders, who reportedly described the decision as inappropriate for a constitutional office.
Political observers said the controversy quickly gained attention because of Vettrivel’s public image as an astrologer rather than an administrative or political professional.
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