CM Vijay Quickly Fixes OSD Appointment After Public Backlash

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay faced his first big political problem just days after taking charge. He appointed his personal astrologer Rickey Radhan Pandit Vettrivel as Officer on Special Duty to the CM. The order came out on Tuesday and people noticed it fast. Many leaders, even from parties that support his TVK government, said it was not a good idea. They said an OSD post is paid with public money and should not go to an astrologer. By Wednesday, after strong criticism on social media and from allies, the government cancelled the appointment. A new order from the Public Department said the post was revoked with immediate effect.

Vijay’s political start has been like a hit movie. But this choice gave the opposition an early chance to attack him. Leaders from Congress, VCK, CPI, and CPI(M) said the move goes against Tamil Nadu’s rational thinking and Periyar’s ideas. Congress MP Sasikanth Senthil asked on X why an astrologer needs a government post. VCK’s D Ravikumar called it unacceptable for a secular government. CPI(M) leader P Shanmugam said the state should promote science, not superstition. Even Congress MP Karti Chidambaram took a dig with a Roman emperor reference. Many people online shared memes and asked if taxpayers should pay for astrology advice.

Radhan Pandit is a known astrologer and numerologist with over 40 years of work. He is also a TVK spokesperson and close to Vijay. He earlier predicted a huge win for Vijay in the polls and was seen at Vijay’s home on counting day. Reports say he also advised former CM Jayalalithaa in the 1990s and suggested adding an extra A to her name. He later moved to Delhi and took the name Rickey Radhan Pandit. He gives yearly predictions to politicians, actors, and businessmen. After his OSD news came out, his old videos and quotes about mantras and health went viral and added to the debate.

Vijay acted fast to stop the issue from growing. During the floor test, which he won with 144 votes, he told the House he would rethink the decision. His minister Nirmal Kumar first defended the pick and said Pandit is a party spokesperson and anyone can be OSD. But with pressure from allies and rivals, the order was withdrawn in less than 24 hours. Many social media users said it showed Vijay listens to people. The quick fix shows he does not want his first step as CM to become a long problem.