Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay has appointed his personal astrologer, Rickey Radhan Pandit Vettrivel, as an Officer on Special Duty (Political). The order was signed by Principal Secretary Reeta Harish Thakkar. The appointment follows the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam’s (TVK) election win, which ended the decades-long dominance of the DMK and AIADMK.
Vettrivel has nearly 40 years of experience in Vedic astrology and numerology. He moved to Delhi in 2008 and has reportedly advised leaders across the BJP, Congress and DMK. Many read the role as recognition for his 2024 prediction that Vijay would win a “tsunami-like” victory and become Chief Minister.
A move that drew debate
Giving an astrologer a formal government role attracted sharp criticism from political opponents and rationalist groups. TVK supporters, however, argued that his wide political connections make him a useful adviser, and Vettrivel has spoken of wanting Tamil Nadu’s temples to reach world-class standards — a goal in line with the new administration’s cultural aims.
The appointment was one of several early steps by the government, which also turned to experienced politicians such as JCD Prabhakar for the Assembly Speaker’s role. With the TVK depending on the support of the Congress and smaller parties, a broad advisory team is seen as important.
Early challenges
The new government faces immediate tests, including its own administrative inexperience and the cost of major poll promises, which it will need to balance against longer-term infrastructure needs while maintaining a working relationship with the central government. The presence of a “political astrologer” in the Chief Minister’s Office remained a prominent talking point.
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