In a first big U-turn after taking oath as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, TVK chief Vijay revoked the appointment of his personal astrologer Radhan Pandit Vettrivel. The move comes just a day after the actor-politician appointed Vettrivel as Officer on Special Duty (Political) in the Chief Minister’s Office.
An official order by the newly-formed TVK government, without giving a reason, announced that the appointment has been withdrawn. Notably, Vettrivel is the same astrologer who had predicted Vijay’s win even as most exit polls didn’t see TVK as a winner.
”The orders issued regarding the appointment of Thiru Rickey Radhan Pandit Vettrivel as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to the Chief Minister (political) is hereby revoked,” read the official government order.
Why Vijay Revoked Astrologer Radhan Pandit Vettrivel’s appointment
Vijay’s decision to give a key post to his long-time friend and astrologer Radhan Pandit Vettrivel sparked massive backlash. The newly-appointed Tamil Nadu CM drew massive flak from both Opposition and allies. Parties like Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), CPIM and CPI openly criticised the government’s move over the appointment. Congress MP Sasikanth Senthil questioned the government’s move and asked them to explain over the appointment of an astrologer to OSD position. “Beats me. Why would an astrologer require an OSD position?? Can anyone explain?” wrote the MP Sasikanth on his X handle. VCK general secretary D Ravikumar said, “This is unacceptable in a secular government.
The Honourable Chief Minister should reconsider this. It is the government’s duty to foster a scientific outlook. Ricky Radhan Pandit, who has been announced today as the political wing secretary of the Chief Minister, is fundamentally an astrologer.”
In another post, VCK General Secretary said, “The Tamil Nadu government should immediately withdraw this unscientific appointment that is against the Constitution!” The rollback also followed TVK leader CT Nirmal Kumar telling reporters Vetrivel was to serve as a media spokesperson and his profession is irrelevant. “He is our media person… our media spokesperson. He can be from any profession but has been appointed as a media handler,” he told reporters. “I condemn the appointment of an astrologer as Chief Minister’s OSD. What message do you want to send to the youth? If he is your astrologer, keep him as your personal choice,” DMDK leader has said.
Who is Radhan Pandit Vettrivel?
Radhan Pandit Vettrivel is a Tamil Nadu-based astrologer and numerologist with over four decades of experience as a spiritual consultant. He is described as a highly trusted political advisor to CM Vijay. Born in Tamil Nadu, Radhan Pandit is believed to have predicted Vijay’s electoral victory before the results were officially announced. According to reports, he suggested the timing of the Chief Minister’s oath-taking ceremony. It is believed that Radhan Pandit had also predicted former chief minister J. Jayalalithaa victory in the 1991 elections. Over the years, he has worked with several leaders and prominent personalities across India. His client list include politicians, actors and business leaders.
