Vijay’s astrologer Pandit Vettrivel appointed OSD to Tamil Nadu CM; ally Congress criticises move

Rickey Radhan Pandit Vettrivel, the personal astrologer of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, has been appointed as the Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to the Chief Minister, a move that has sparked criticism from the alliance partner Congress and social activists.

“Thiru Rickey Radhan Pandit Vettrivel, is appointed as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to Chief Minister (Political) with effect from the date of joining. The terms and conditions in this regard will be issued separately,” read a notification issued by the Public Department of the Tamil Nadu Government.

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Pandit Vettrivel is the personal astrologer of Vijay and has been advising the actor-politician throughout his political journey.

It was Pandit Vettrivel on whose advice Vijay moved his swearing-in ceremony from 3:45 pm on May 10 to 10 am on the same day.

The appointment, however, has not gone down well with some in the Congress, an alliance partner in the Vijay-led TVK government.

Congress MP from Thiruvallur, Sasikanth Senthil, questioned the need for an astrologer as an OSD.

“Beats me. Why would an astrologer require an OSD position ?? Can any one explain.”

Social activist Vijay Kumbhar has also criticised the appointment, saying Tamil Nadu deserves governance driven by merit, professionalism and accountability and not superstition and personal loyalty.

“Appointing a personal astrologer as OSD to the Chief Minister sends a disturbing message about the government’s priorities and undermines institutional credibility. Public office is not a place for blind faith or favoritism,” the activist said on X.