Tamil Nadu CM Vijay revokes astrologer’s government appointment amid backlash

Tamil Nadu Chief Minster C Joseph Vijay has revoked the government appointment of his personal astrologer following sharp criticism from coalition partners and opposition leaders in Tamil Nadu.

The controversy erupted after astrologer Ricky Radhan Pandit Vetrivel was appointed as an Officer on Special Duty (OSD) at the Chief Minister’s Office. The appointment was withdrawn within a day amid mounting political pressure.

Leaders from alliance partners, including the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, Communist Party of India (Marxist) and Communist Party of India, publicly opposed the move, calling it contradictory to the principles of rationalism and scientific thinking.

During discussions ahead of a confidence vote in the state assembly, VCK legislator Vani Arasu urged the government to promote science-based and rational governance instead of encouraging superstition.

CPI(M) state secretary P Shanmugam also criticised the appointment, saying public funds should not be used to legitimise astrology through official government positions.

Adding to the criticism, Premalatha Vijayakanth of the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam questioned the message such a move would send to younger generations.

Although coalition partners did not threaten to withdraw support from the government, political pressure intensified rapidly, prompting Vijay to reverse the decision.