Vijay: ‘Unacceptable’: Allies slam Vijay over astrologer’s appointment in CM office | India News

victory His astrologer, Ricky Radhan, is facing growing criticism from allies and political leaders after his appointment as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) and Secretary to the Political Wing in the Chief Minister’s Office. The appointment soon after the TVK government took over has raised objections over secularism, scientific temper and the role of astrology in governance.Congress, CPI(M) and Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) leaders publicly questioned the decision, urging Vijay to reconsider the move.Congress MP Shashikant Senthil criticized the appointment in a post on X saying: “Beats me. Why would an astrologer need an OSD post?? Can someone explain.”CPI(M) state secretary P Shanmugam said the decision contradicted the government’s duty to promote rational thinking.“It is the responsibility of the government to develop a scientific approach. Ricky Radhan Pandit, who has been appointed as the Chief Minister’s Political Wing Secretary today, is essentially an astrologer. Appointing such a person as an official at government expense will only serve to increase faith in astrology among the public,” the MP wrote in his post.“This appointment of the government is unacceptable! It is also unacceptable that this person will give political advice,” he added.VCK general secretary D Ravikumar also objected to the appointment as he said, “It is unacceptable in a secular government. Hon’ble Chief Minister should reconsider it.”Karur’s Congress MP, Jothimani, said the appointment risks undermining the ideological foundations that the ruling Tamilga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) claims to uphold.“The Hon’ble Chief Minister, Mr. C. Joseph Vijay, should reconsider the appointment of his personal astrologer as Special Officer to the Chief Minister, a move by the TVK government, which has retained Periyar as its ideological leader. It would be wise for the new government to avoid getting embroiled in such controversies,” he said soon after taking charge.Vijay’s appointed astrologer had predicted his victory a year before. Ricky Radhan is widely known in political circles as an astrologer associated with Pandit Vijay and is said to have been seen alongside the actor-politician at important political and personal events in recent years. The controversy comes at a sensitive time for Vijay, whose newly formed government has positioned itself on the principles of social justice and rationalism associated with Dravidian politics.