Chennai: A day after facing criticism from opposition parties, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay on Wednesday revoked the appointment of his astrologer and close aide Rickey Radhan Pandit Vettrivel as Officer on Special Duty (Political).
The decision came shortly after the floor test in the Assembly, with the Tamil Nadu government issuing an official circular confirming the revocation.
Tamil Nadu CM Vijay revokes astrologer’s appointment
The circular stated, “The orders issued regarding the appointment of Thiru. Rickey Radhan Pandit Vettrivel as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to Chief Minister (Political) vide in the reference 2nd cited is hereby revoked.”
The move followed mounting criticism from opposition parties, which questioned the appointment and argued that personal beliefs should not influence governance decisions.
On Tuesday, the Vijay-led government had officially appointed Rickey Radhan Pandit Vettrivel as Officer on Special Duty (Political) to the chief minister.
The appointment was confirmed through a government order issued by the principal secretary to the government.
According to the earlier notification, Vettrivel was expected to assist the Chief Minister in political coordination and advisory responsibilities within the Chief Minister’s Office.