CM Vijay walks back appointment of astrologer Rickey Vettrivel as OSD after backlash from allies, critics
After facing the wrath of the alliance partners and rivals, CM Vijay decided to cancel the appointment of his astrologer as officer on special duty in his department.
Amid massive criticism from the alliance partners and the rivals of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay revoked the appointment of his astrologer, Rickey Radhan Pandit Vettrivel, as an officer on special duty (OSD) from the Chief Minister's office.
The development came a day after Vettrivel was elevated to an OSD in the Chief Minister's department. The move sparked a major controversy in Tamil Nadu's political circles as parties like Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), CPIM, and CPI, which extended their support to the TVK government, openly criticised the move.
Ahead of the floor test in the assembly, VCK MLA Vaani Arsu urged the government to focus on scientific and rational thinking and not to pay any heed to things that are largely considered superstition.
"Our government should give importance to scientific thinking and not astrology," he said.
Left parties, CPIM and CPI, also echoed similar sentiments to VCK over the appointment. State secretary P Shanmugam said the government had a responsibility to promote scientific temper and rational thinking, arguing that appointing an astrologer to an official government role at public expense would only encourage superstition. CPI state secretary M Veerapandian raised similar concerns. The backlash has also revived comparisons with former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa's reported reliance on astrologers.
Premalatha Vijaykanth, the leader of the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) questioned Vijay and said that he set a wrong example to a vast section of people, especially the youth who largely voted in favour of the party.
"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.
Although the VCK and the Left parties did not revoke their support from the TVK government, their dissatisfaction created a ripple in the political arena. Following this, Vijay had to step back.
VIJAY DROPPED HINT OF REVOKING APPOINTMENT
As criticism skyrocketed, Vijay dropped a hint earlier that the appointment of the astrologer might be cancelled.
Right after the floor test, Vijay said that the appointment would be reconsidered, taking the grievances of several political parties into account. Soon after his declaration, the appointment of Vettrivel was cancelled.