VIJAY APPOINTS ASTROLOGER RADHAN PANDIT AS POLITICAL ADVISER, ALLIES SAY 'UNACCEPTABLE IN SECULAR GOVT'
A fresh controversy has erupted around Vijay after the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister appointed astrologer and TVK spokesperson Radhan Pandit Vettrivel as his Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to the Chief Minister, drawing criticism from allies and opposition leaders over the role of astrology in government affairs.
The appointment came just a day after the government faced criticism over the Tamil anthem row, adding to the political pressure on the newly formed administration.
Radhan Pandit, who also served as a spokesperson for the TVK during the Assembly election campaign, is considered a close confidant of Vijay. He had publicly predicted that the actor-turned-politician would secure a sweeping electoral victory in the Tamil Nadu Assembly polls.
During the counting of votes on May 4, when the TVK began performing better than expected, Pandit was reportedly among the first people to visit Vijay’s residence, underlining his proximity to the Chief Minister and the party leadership.
The decision, however, has triggered objections from allies, particularly parties that have historically opposed superstition and promoted rationalist politics in Tamil Nadu.
Congress MP Sasikanth Senthil questioned the move in a social media post, asking why an astrologer should be given an OSD position.
Leaders of the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), another ally of the ruling coalition, also voiced strong opposition. VCK general secretary D Ravikumar said the appointment was “unacceptable in a secular government” and urged the Chief Minister to reconsider the decision.
In another statement posted from the VCK general secretary’s X handle, the appointment was described as “unscientific” and “against the Constitution,” with the party demanding that the government withdraw the decision immediately.
The CPM also criticised the move. Senior leader Shanmugam P argued that the state had a responsibility to encourage scientific thinking and said appointing an astrologer to a government-funded advisory position could strengthen public faith in astrology.
Astrologers have historically shared close ties with several political leaders in south India. Radhan Pandit Vettrivel had earlier been associated with former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa of the AIADMK. Reports had linked him to several major political decisions during her tenure, although the relationship reportedly deteriorated after one of his predictions regarding the disproportionate assets case proved incorrect.
In the recently concluded Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, TVK secured 108 seats in the 234-member Assembly but remained short of a majority. Vijay was able to form the government only after receiving support from Congress, CPI, CPM and VCK.
2026-05-12T14:47:27Z
