In a swift turn of events, the Tamil Nadu government revoked the appointment of Rickey Radhan Pandit Vettrivel as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay. This decision came on Wednesday, just 24 hours after the government announced the role. The move highlights the intense political pressure facing the new TVK-led administration.
Vettrivel is a prominent astrologer and a spokesperson for the TVK. He reportedly played a significant advisory role during Vijay’s transition from cinema to politics. However, his appointment to a formal government post sparked immediate controversy. Opposition leaders and even some allies questioned the logic of placing a spiritual mentor in a high-ranking political office.
Political Allies and Opponents Join Forces
The DMK led the charge against the appointment. Spokesperson TKS Elangovan dismissed the decision, asking, “What can an astrologer do besides predict?” Furthermore, the DMK’s allies, including the MJK and DMDK, slammed the move as inappropriate for a modern administration.
Even the Congress, a major ally of the TVK, expressed confusion. Congress MP Sasikanth Senthil publicly questioned why an astrologer would require an OSD position. Inside the Tamil Nadu Assembly, DMDK MLA Premalatha Vijaykanth suggested that Vijay could have hired Vettrivel as a personal secretary instead of a government officer. This bipartisan criticism forced the Chief Minister to act quickly to protect his “power-dressed” executive image.
CM Vijay Wins Crucial Floor Test
Despite the administrative hiccup, CM Vijay achieved a significant “mass” victory in the Assembly on Wednesday. He successfully passed a floor test with the support of 144 MLAs. This solidifies his position as the leader of the single-largest party, with 108 seats of his own.
The floor test victory occurred amid a tense atmosphere. While Vijay sat in the Assembly, Udhayanidhi Stalin reiterated his stance on “Sanatana Dharma.” This ongoing ideological battle continues to define the state’s political climate. For now, the Chief Minister has chosen to avoid a prolonged controversy over Vettrivel to focus on legislative stability.
The Path Forward for TVK
By revoking the appointment, the CM signaled his willingness to listen to ally concerns. The government must now fill the OSD role with a candidate who satisfies the coalition’s standards. Observers note that while Vettrivel remains a close confidant, his influence will likely remain unofficial moving forward.
As the government begins its first full week, the focus shifts back to governance and administrative appointments. For more exclusive updates on CM Vijay’s floor test victory and the latest South Indian political news, stay tuned to Simply Mollywood. The “Thalapathy” era has officially started, and the stakes are higher than ever!
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