Chennai CM Vijay Cancels Astrologer Job After Ally Anger

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay has reversed his decision to appoint his personal astrologer as Officer on Special Duty after allies strongly disagreed. This move was made just before a crucial floor test.
By Newsroom | Politics, Chennai |

Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay has rescinded the appointment of his personal astrologer, Radhan Pandit Vettrivel, as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) for political affairs following a significant outcry from within his governing coalition and beyond. The reversal, announced hours after Vijay indicated a reconsideration of the move, underscores the friction caused by placing an astrologer in a formal governmental advisory role.

Vijay removes astrologer from special official post after appointment row - 1

The appointment of Vettrivel, a figure known for his astrological predictions and association with Vijay's political journey, ignited immediate criticism from key allies, including the Congress, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)). These parties questioned the move on grounds of secularism and adherence to scientific principles in governance. VCK leaders, in particular, voiced their dissent, suggesting a need to "focus on science" rather than astrology.

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Vijay removes astrologer from special official post after appointment row - 2

The controversy gained traction just as Chief Minister Vijay faced a floor test in the Tamil Nadu Assembly. Reports indicate that allies expressed "clear discomfort" and termed the appointment "unacceptable" and "unscientific," suggesting a potential strain on the ruling bloc's cohesion. The backlash also comes amidst discussions on the government's secular character and adherence to constitutional values.

Vijay removes astrologer from special official post after appointment row - 3

Vettrivel, described as a close confidante and advisor to Vijay, has been a visible presence in the Chief Minister's political trajectory. He is credited with predicting TVK's electoral victory and was reportedly among the first to visit Vijay's residence on vote-counting day. His previous consultations reportedly included advising former Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa on political decisions and numerological name changes.

Vijay removes astrologer from special official post after appointment row - 4

While the Chief Minister's office has not issued a formal statement on the revocation, the move to reconsider and subsequently withdraw Vettrivel's appointment suggests an attempt to placate disgruntled allies and quell a burgeoning political storm. The incident also surfaces following a prior controversy surrounding the Tamil anthem during Vijay's swearing-in ceremony.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Chennai's Chief Minister Vijay cancel the astrologer's job?
Chief Minister Vijay cancelled the appointment of his personal astrologer, Radhan Pandit Vettrivel, as Officer on Special Duty after his political allies strongly opposed it. They said the decision was unscientific and questioned the government's secular nature.
Q: Who was affected by the astrologer's cancelled job?
The main people affected were Chief Minister Vijay, who had to withdraw the appointment, and his political allies, who were unhappy with the decision. The astrologer, Radhan Pandit Vettrivel, will no longer hold the government position.
Q: What happens next after the astrologer's job was cancelled?
The Chief Minister's office has withdrawn the appointment to calm down unhappy allies and stop political arguments. This is an effort to keep the ruling coalition together before an important vote in the assembly.
Q: Why did allies of Chief Minister Vijay disagree with the astrologer's appointment?
Allies like the Congress and VCK disagreed because they believe in science and secularism in government. They felt appointing an astrologer to a government post went against these principles and could cause problems for the ruling group.