Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay revoked the appointment of astrologer Rickey Radhan Pandit Vetrivel as an Officer on Special Duty (OSD) this Wednesday [1].
The swift reversal highlights the political sensitivity regarding the appointment of non-experts to government roles in a state with a strong tradition of rationalism. The move suggests the administration is wary of alienating key political allies and opposition figures early in its tenure.
Chief Minister Vijay had initially appointed Vetrivel to the OSD position to serve in the government offices in Chennai [2]. However, the decision sparked immediate criticism from various political quarters. Opposition parties and allies, including the Congress, raised objections to the appointment of an astrologer to a formal government post [1], [3].
Critics said that the role of an Officer on Special Duty should be reserved for individuals with administrative experience or specific professional expertise rather than astrological practice [1]. The backlash intensified across social media and political platforms, putting pressure on the Chief Minister's office to justify the selection.
The state government responded to the mounting pressure by rescinding the order. The appointment was revoked less than 24 hours [4] after it was first announced. This rapid turnaround indicates a strategic retreat to maintain political stability and avoid a prolonged controversy over governance standards.
Government officials have not provided further details on the specific duties Vetrivel was intended to perform before the appointment was canceled [2]. The revocation effectively ends the astrologer's brief tenure as a special duty officer to the Chief Minister [3].
“The appointment was revoked less than 24 hours after it was announced”
The incident reflects the ongoing tension in Tamil Nadu politics between traditional beliefs and the state's historical commitment to rationalism. By reversing the appointment so quickly, the administration avoids a potential ideological rift with the Congress party and other allies, signaling that professional qualifications will take precedence over personal consultants in public-facing government roles.
