The Tamil Nadu government revoked the appointment of astrologer Rickey Radhan Pandit Vettrivel as an Officer on Special Duty to Chief Minister C. Vijay on Wednesday [1].

The decision follows a swift political outcry regarding the use of public funds to pay for a role based on non-scientific practices. The reversal highlights the tension between personal belief and the expectations of rational governance in a public office.

Radhan Pandit had been appointed as the Officer on Special Duty (OSD-Political) to the Chief Minister [2]. However, the government withdrew the order less than 24 hours after the appointment was announced [3].

Opposition leaders and allied parties raised objections to the appointment, citing concerns over placing an astrologer on the government payroll [1]. Critics said the role was unscientific and represented an improper use of taxpayer money [2].

The backlash occurred rapidly, leading to the revocation of the order to avoid further political instability within the administration [1]. The move sought to address the uproar from leaders who viewed the appointment as a promotion of superstition over administrative merit [4].

Chief Minister C. Vijay acted to resolve the row by removing the astrologer from the official government payroll [2]. The administration has not issued further statements regarding the specific criteria used for the initial appointment.

“The government revoked the order appointing the astrologer as Officer on Special Duty”

This incident underscores the political sensitivity surrounding the intersection of spirituality and state administration in India. By revoking the appointment under pressure from allies and the opposition, the Tamil Nadu government acknowledged that public funding for roles perceived as superstitious can be a liability for a Chief Minister's political capital and administrative legitimacy.