The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister revoked the appointment of astrologer Radhan Pandit Vettrivel as an Officer on Special Duty on May 13, 2024 [1].
The swift reversal follows a wave of criticism regarding the influence of non-administrative figures in the Chief Minister's Office. The controversy highlights internal tensions within the TVK government and its relationship with political allies.
Vettrivel had been appointed to the position of Officer on Special Duty (OSD) in the Chennai-based office of the Chief Minister [1]. However, the decision was overturned just one day later amid growing concerns over the nature of the appointment and its implications for governance [1].
Premalatha Vijayakanth, a leader of the DMDK, criticized the move and linked it to broader concerns about political stability. She said, "We will support the TVK government's good efforts, but it is also our duty to point out their mistakes. Allegations of horse‑trading of MLAs are concerning."
The appointment was viewed as a mistake by political allies of the TVK government, a sentiment that contributed to the decision to revoke the role [1]. The allegations of horse-trading involving members of the legislative assembly further intensified the pressure on the administration to distance itself from Vettrivel.
This incident marks one of the first significant policy reversals for the Chief Minister since taking office. The move to remove Vettrivel was described by some reports as a necessary correction to maintain the integrity of the state's administrative functions [1].
“The appointment was revoked a day later amid criticism and allegations of horse‑trading of MLAs.”
The rapid appointment and subsequent removal of an astrologer to a high-level administrative role suggests a volatile early phase for the TVK government. By reversing the decision, the Chief Minister is likely attempting to signal a commitment to professional governance and appease allies who fear the influence of non-political advisors on legislative stability.
