Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Vijay revoked the appointment of astrologer Radhan Pandit Vettrivel as Officer on Special Duty (Political) on Wednesday [1].
The rapid reversal highlights the political volatility surrounding the administration's early staffing choices and the influence of opposition pressure on the Chief Minister's Office.
Vettrivel had been appointed to the senior government post on Tuesday [2]. However, the decision sparked immediate and strong criticism from opposition parties and certain factions within the ruling camp [3]. These critics questioned the appropriateness of placing an astrologer in a high-level political role within the state government [3].
The revocation occurred on May 13, 2024 [1], which was less than 24 hours after the original appointment was issued [2]. The move is being viewed as a significant u-turn for the Chief Minister in his current tenure [1].
The Chief Minister's Office said it would not provide further details on the specific internal discussions that led to the sudden withdrawal. The controversy centered on the perceived conflict between professional government administration and the practice of astrology in public policy roles [3].
This action follows a period of intense scrutiny regarding the personnel choices of C. Vijay, also known as TVK [1]. The swiftness of the decision suggests an effort to neutralize a growing political liability before the controversy could further damage the administration's standing with the public [3].
“The revocation occurred on May 13, 2024, less than 24 hours after the appointment was issued.”
The incident reflects the tension between personal beliefs and public administration in Indian regional politics. By reversing the appointment so quickly, the Chief Minister's office is signaling a priority for political stability and public perception over personal associations, attempting to avoid a narrative of governance by superstition.
