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Tamil Nadu CM Vijay has appointed his personal astrologer Radhan Pandit Vettrivel as Officer on Special Duty in the Chief Minister’s Office.
Vijay appointed his astrologer Rickey Radhan Pandit as OSD to the CM.
A political controversy has erupted in Tamil Nadu after Chief Minister Vijay appointed his personal astrologer, Radhan Pandit Vettrivel, as Officer on Special Duty in the Chief Minister’s Office.
The appointment has triggered criticism from several political parties, including the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) and Manithaneya Jananayaga Katchi (MJK).
The issue gained political attention during the ongoing trust vote proceedings in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, where VCK leaders took a veiled dig at the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government over the appointment.
VCK stresses on ‘scientific thinking’
Leaders from the VCK questioned the message being sent by the government through the appointment of an astrologer to a key administrative role. A senior VCK leader said the government should place greater trust in science instead of astrology.
The party also remarked that more importance should be given to scientific thinking in governance. “Should give priority to science not astrology. What message are you sending,” the leader questioned while referring to the appointment.
Despite criticising the move, the VCK has continued to extend support to the TVK government during the trust vote in the Assembly.
DMDK also raises questions
The DMDK also questioned the decision taken by the Vijay-led government. The party sought clarity over the role and credentials of the astrologer who has now been appointed as Officer on Special Duty in the Chief Minister’s Office.
“Astrologer appointment sends wrong message to youth,” the party said.
The controversy intensified because the astrologer had earlier predicted an electoral victory for TVK. His appointment to an official government position has now fuelled a wider political debate about the growing influence of astrology in politics and administration.
Madras HC flags urgency issue in astrologer appointment
The appointment of Chief Minister Vijay’s astrologer as Officer on Special Duty was urgently mentioned before the Madras High Court on Wednesday. During the hearing, the court questioned the urgency of the matter, while the lawyer argued that the appointment was against the statute. The court then asked the lawyer to file a formal petition regarding the issue.
Debate during floor test
The political row unfolded as the floor test was underway in the Tamil Nadu Assembly. Opposition leaders used the opportunity to target the government over the appointment and raise concerns over the blending of astrology with official governance.
The issue has now become a fresh flashpoint in Tamil Nadu politics, with parties questioning whether such appointments reflect the values of scientific temper and rational thinking traditionally associated with the state’s political culture.
While the criticism continues, the Vijay government has not publicly responded to the concerns raised by the opposition parties over the appointment.
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