Tamil Nadu CM Vijay revokes astrologer's appointment as OSD after allies raise objections

NEW DELHI: Tamil Nadu chief minister Vijay on Wednesday revoked the appointment of his astrologer Radhan Pandit as his officer on special duty.The move came a day after Vijay drew flak from both the opposition and allies over the appointment.Moments after the floor test, the government released a circular which said, "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."This comes after several parties objected to Vijay's decision, claiming that personal beliefs should not shape governance.Earlier on Tuesday, Vijay appointed his close aide, astrologer and party spokesperson Rickey Radhan Pandit Vettrivel, as Officer on Special Duty (Political) to the chief minister.The appointment was officially confirmed through a government order issued on Tuesday by the principal secretary to the government.A government circular said that Vettrivel will function as the political aide to chief minister Vijay and assist in matters relating to political coordination and advisory functions within the Chief Minister’s Office.Rickey Radhan Pandit Vettrivel is widely known in political and media circles as an astrologer who shares a close association with CM Vijay.Over the past few years, he has emerged as a visible figure around the actor-turned-politician during major political and personal events.Following the launch of TVK, he was later appointed as one of the official spokespersons of the party and became actively involved in defending and articulating the party’s positions in television debates and public platforms.Vettrivel is considered part of Vijay’s trusted inner circle and has played a role in political communication and coordination since the formation of the party.