The Tamil Nadu government’s appointment of astrologer Radhan Pandit Vettrivel as Officer on Special Duty for political affairs has triggered concerns within the ruling alliance about secularism and scientific governance, while supporters cite his strategic role and electoral insight. The development tests coalition cohesion and raises questions about advisory roles in government.
Chennai
-Gaurav Sharma
Astrologer Radhan Pandit Vettrivel’s elevation as Officer on Special Duty for political affairs to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay has stirred visible unease within the ruling alliance. Within hours of the announcement, partners in the coalition voiced concern that a practising astrologer now holds an official advisory role in the state administration.
Leaders from Congress, Left parties and Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi warned that the move may clash with the government’s stated commitment to a scientific outlook. They argued that assigning such responsibility to an astrologer risks sending mixed signals to voters, at a time when the coalition government in Tamil Nadu is still settling into power.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay appointed astrologer Radhan Pandit Vettrivel as Officer on Special Duty for political affairs, sparking unease among alliance partners like Congress and VCK who raised concerns regarding its alignment with secularism and scientific principles.
Alliance strains after Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay appoints astrologer
The disquiet comes soon after a delicate power arrangement emerged in the Tamil Nadu assembly. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay’s party won 108 of the 234 seats, falling short of a simple majority and depending on outside support. Congress, CPI(M), other Left groups and VCK agreed to back the new government, giving the bloc working strength.
| House / Party | Seats |
|---|---|
| Total seats in Tamil Nadu assembly | 234 |
| Seats won by Vijay’s party | 108 |
| Key supporting allies | Congress, CPI(M), other Left parties, VCK |
Congress MP Sasikanth Senthil was among the first to object publicly to Vettrivel’s appointment as OSD. Senthil questioned the need for such a post for an astrologer and challenged the idea that this role fits within a rational administration. “Beats me. Why would an astrologer require an OSD position?? Can any one explain,” Senthil wrote.
Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi general secretary D Ravikumar used stronger words, arguing that installing an astrologer as a key adviser damages secular principles. “This is unacceptable in a secular government. The Honorable Chief Minister should reconsider this. 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,” Ravikumar wrote on X. CPM Central Committee member Shanmugam P added, “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.”
Profile of astrologer linked to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay
Within political circles, Radhan Pandit Vettrivel is seen as both an astrologer and a strategist aligned with Joseph Vijay’s outfit. During the most recent election campaign, Vettrivel stayed close to the party leadership, and supporters credited Vettrivel with forecasting the party’s stronger-than-expected performance across several constituencies during the high-stakes contest.
On counting day, Vettrivel was among the earliest visitors to Vijay’s residence, as results started indicating gains in many segments. Political observers in Tamil Nadu say Vettrivel has worked as an informal adviser to various leaders over the years. His name has been previously associated in reports with former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, adding to the interest around the latest formal appointment.
Critics within the alliance stress that their objection is not about Vettrivel’s individual background, but about the signal sent by giving an astrologer government rank. They argue such actions may legitimise superstition when the state is expected to back scientific thinking. Supporters of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay, however, highlight Vettrivel’s past political inputs and electoral predictions as reasons the leadership values Vettrivel’s counsel.
The ruling bloc now faces an early test of cohesion, as partner parties wait to see whether Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay revisits the decision. For the moment, Vettrivel remains OSD for political affairs, and the appointment stands as a first major point of tension among allies in the new Tamil Nadu government.
