Just days after taking charge as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, C Joseph Vijay faced his first major political controversy over appointing his personal astrologer, Rickey Radhan Pandit Vettrivel, as Officer on Special Duty (OSD).
The government has now revoked the order following criticism from alliance partners and public backlash.
The official notification stated that the earlier appointment order “is hereby revoked,” marking a swift reversal within 24 hours of its issuance. Sources said the decision came after coalition leaders questioned the rationale behind assigning a political advisory role to an astrologer.
The controversy erupted soon after Vijay’s swearing‑in, with opposition parties and social media users calling the appointment “bizarre” and “unprecedented.” The Chief Minister reportedly acted quickly to contain the fallout and reaffirm his commitment to transparent governance.
Political observers view the move as Vijay’s attempt to project administrative seriousness and distance himself from personal influences in official matters. The revocation order has been widely circulated online, with major outlets including India Today and Times Now confirming the development.
