Tamil Nadu CM C. Joseph Vijay cancels astrologer's OSD appointment amid criticism

The newly formed Tamil Nadu government under Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay withdrew the appointment of his private astrologer, Riki Radhan Pandit Vetrivel, as a Special Duty Officer (OSD‑Political). The appointment had been issued on Tuesday, shortly after the party secured a confidence vote in the state assembly.

The decision to revoke the post was taken on Wednesday following sharp criticism from opposition parties, coalition partners, and social‑media users. Critics questioned the use of public funds for a position held by an astrologer and urged the government to promote scientific thinking over superstition. Several legislators, including members of the ruling alliance, publicly denounced the move, arguing it sent the wrong message to educated citizens.

Vetrivel, who had played a prominent role in the party’s election campaign and had previously predicted a “tsunami‑like” victory for Vijay, was initially appointed through an official order. After the backlash, the government rescinded the order, ending the brief tenure.