Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay, a day after the row over Tamil anthem, got into a fresh row today after appointing his astrologer Radhan Pandit Vettrivel his Officer on Special Duty or OSD to the Chief Minister. The astrologer is the one who had predicted that Vijay would have a landslide victory. The move has raised eyebrows in several quarters — including among the leaders of ally Congress.
Pandit, known for his dual role as an astrologer and a spokesperson for the TVK, has been a close aide to the leadership during the recent electoral campaign.
During the counting of votes on May 4, when TVK had unexpectedly pulled ahead, Radhan Pandit was the first person who visited Vijay’s residence.
The emotional connect may not be explanation enough for allies or the opposition DMK, who are used to taking a tough stand against any kind of superstition or astrologers.
In a post on X, Congress MP Sasikanth Senthil said, “Beats me. Why would an astrologer require an OSD position ?? Can any one explain.”
“This is unacceptable in a secular government. The Honorable Chief Minister should reconsider this,” read a post on X from VCK general secretary D Ravikumar.
“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.
Appointing such a person as an officer at government expense will only serve to increase faith in astrology among the people… This appointment by the government is unacceptable! It is also unacceptable that he will provide political advice,” read a rough translation of a post from CPM’s Central Committee member Shanmugam P.
அறிவியல் கண்ணோட்டத்தை வளர்க்க வேண்டியது அரசின் கடமை. முதல்வரின் அரசியல் பிரிவு செயலாளராக இன்று அறிவிக்கப்பட்டுள்ள ரிக்கி ராதன் பண்டிட் என்பவர் அடிப்படையில் ஒரு ஜோதிடர்.
அரசுச் செலவில் அதிகாரியாக இத்தகைய ஒருவரை நியமித்திருப்பது, மக்கள் மத்தியில் ஜோதிடம் தொடர்பான நம்பிக்கையை… pic.twitter.com/PAHpELIagN
— Shanmugam P (@Shanmugamcpim) May 12, 2026
Astrologers and political leaders — especially in south India — have a close connect.
Vettrivel had a high-profile client list, including former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, AIADMK’s J Jayalalithaa. Reports say many major political decisions during her tenure were taken after consulting the astrologer. The two apparently fell out after his prediction that she would not go to jail in the disproportionate assets case flopped.
TVK won 108 out of 234 seats in the recently held Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.
But Vijay fell short of a majority. He could take oath only after the Congress, Left parties CPI and CPM and VCK extended support.