New Delhi: Tamil Nadu's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam-led (TVK-led) ruling government has rolled back its decision to appoint astrologer Rickey Radhan Pandit Vettrivel as Officer on Special Duty to chief minister C. Joseph Vijay, following a wave of criticism from both opposition parties and members of the ruling alliance as well. A formal order revoking the appointment was issued on Wednesday (May 13).

Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) general secretary and MLA Premalatha Vijayakanth strongly criticised the move in the Tamil Nadu assembly after the appointment order was issued on Tuesday (May 12).

“The appointment of astrologer Rathin Pandey as OSD to the Chief Minister is condemnable,” she said during the debate around the trust vote.

The backlash wasn't limited to opposition benches. Vijay's own political allies had raised eyebrows over the decision, putting the government in an uncomfortable position. Several social media users also critised the government for the appointment.

On Tuesday, Congress MP Sasikanth Senthil — who represents the Tiruvalluvar constituency — reshared on X what appeared to be the official letter confirming the astrologer's appointment with immediate effect.

"Beats me. Why would an astrologer require an OSD position?? Can anyone explain?" the MP wrote, questioning the rationale behind the move.

Vettrivel is a well-known figure who had publicly predicted Vijay's electoral victory in the state ahead of the polls, which many believe explained the chief minister's apparent closeness to him. However, it did not justify a formal government role on taxpayers' money.