Vijay to rethink astrologer's promotion? CM drops hint as allies, rivals hit out
After facing the wrath of the alliance partners and rivals over the appointment of Vettrivel as an officer in Chief Minister office, Vijay said that he would reconsider the move.
Amid growing criticism from the alliance partners and rivals over the appointment of astrologer Rickey Radhan Pandit Vettrivel as an officer on special duty in the Chief Minister's office, Tamil Nadu CM Joseph Vijay, on the day of the floor test, said that he would reconsider the move.
The development came after the decision drew criticism from parties that extended their support to the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) to form the government after uncertainties gripped the state's political arena. Among them is Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), a party that supported the TVK-led government from outside with its two MLAs.
“Our government should give importance to scientific thinking and not astrology,” said MLA Vani Arasu ahead of the Tamil Nadu Assembly confidence motion.
However, the VCK did not call off its support over the appointment. Instead, it expressed trust in Vijay and his approach to governance and said that the TVK-led government would complete its five-year term in the state. Arasu also showed his confidence that Vijay would survive the floor test.
DMDK SLAMS VIJAY OVER THE APPOINTMENT OF VETTRIVEL
Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK), a key ally in the DMK-led coalition, also criticised CM Vijay over the astrologer row.
Premalatha Vijaykanth, the only MLA-elect from Vriddhachalam assembly constituency, slammed Vijay for allegedly sending the wrong message to the common people.
"Astrologer Radhan Pandit has been appointed as OSD. I condemn this move on behalf of all Tamil Nadu people. If he is your guru, keep him in your personal capacity. The youth have voted for you. You have to explain what example you are setting for youngsters and the future. What is the message you are sending?" she said.
Echoing Vijayakanth’s concerns, Bhojrajan M—the lone BJP MLA in the state—argued that Vettrivel's appointment as a government officer sets a poor example for the people.
TIME WILL BE DECIDED BY ASTROLOGERS, DMK TAKES JIBE AT VIJAY
Among all the political parties, DMK launched the most scathing attack on Vijay over the appointment of his astrologer.
Taking a sarcastic jibe, party spokesperson TKS Elangovan told ANI, "Hereafter, the Parliament Assembly has no role to play. Only the timing will be given by the astrologers... He is not an official. He needs somebody who can advise him properly as per the rules and as per the government powers."
He also said that Vijay trusts Vettrivel more than the workers of the TVK.
"What can an astrologer do? He can predict, that's all... He has more faith in him than his party," said the DMK leader.
Amid growing criticism from the alliance partners and rivals over the appointment of astrologer Rickey Radhan Pandit Vettrivel as an officer on special duty in the Chief Minister's office, Tamil Nadu CM Joseph Vijay, on the day of the floor test, said that he would reconsider the move.
The development came after the decision drew criticism from parties that extended their support to the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) to form the government after uncertainties gripped the state's political arena. Among them is Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), a party that supported the TVK-led government from outside with its two MLAs.
“Our government should give importance to scientific thinking and not astrology,” said MLA Vani Arasu ahead of the Tamil Nadu Assembly confidence motion.
However, the VCK did not call off its support over the appointment. Instead, it expressed trust in Vijay and his approach to governance and said that the TVK-led government would complete its five-year term in the state. Arasu also showed his confidence that Vijay would survive the floor test.
DMDK SLAMS VIJAY OVER THE APPOINTMENT OF VETTRIVEL
Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK), a key ally in the DMK-led coalition, also criticised CM Vijay over the astrologer row.
Premalatha Vijaykanth, the only MLA-elect from Vriddhachalam assembly constituency, slammed Vijay for allegedly sending the wrong message to the common people.
"Astrologer Radhan Pandit has been appointed as OSD. I condemn this move on behalf of all Tamil Nadu people. If he is your guru, keep him in your personal capacity. The youth have voted for you. You have to explain what example you are setting for youngsters and the future. What is the message you are sending?" she said.
Echoing Vijayakanth’s concerns, Bhojrajan M—the lone BJP MLA in the state—argued that Vettrivel's appointment as a government officer sets a poor example for the people.
TIME WILL BE DECIDED BY ASTROLOGERS, DMK TAKES JIBE AT VIJAY
Among all the political parties, DMK launched the most scathing attack on Vijay over the appointment of his astrologer.
Taking a sarcastic jibe, party spokesperson TKS Elangovan told ANI, "Hereafter, the Parliament Assembly has no role to play. Only the timing will be given by the astrologers... He is not an official. He needs somebody who can advise him properly as per the rules and as per the government powers."
He also said that Vijay trusts Vettrivel more than the workers of the TVK.
"What can an astrologer do? He can predict, that's all... He has more faith in him than his party," said the DMK leader.
