Just days after taking office, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has found himself at the centre of a political storm — not over a policy decision, but over a man many people had only heard about through whispers in political circles.
That man is Rathin Pandit, also known as Ricky Radhan Pandit — an astrologer believed to be close to Vijay for years. But after massive backlash his appointment has been revoked by Vijay led government.
His appointment as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) and political wing secretary in the Chief Minister’s office triggered criticism not just from the opposition, but even from parties supporting Vijay’s government.
And the backlash got loud enough that Vijay himself has now responded.
“I will reconsider certain issues pointed out by the opposition parties,” the Chief Minister said in the Assembly — a statement many are reading as a signal that Rathin Pandit’s appointment would soon be reviewed, or even revoked.
Vijay removes astrologer Rathin Pandit
When Vijay said he would “reconsider certain issues” raised by opposition parties during the confidence motion debate, many interpreted it as an indirect acknowledgment that the appointment had become a political liability.
Soon after giving the comment during the assembly session, TVK led by Vijay has revoked Rathin Pandit's appontment as OSD.
Why did Rathin Pandit’s appointment caused controversy?
The controversy is less about astrology itself and more about where the astrologer has been appointed.
Critics are questioning why a person known publicly as an astrologer needs an official government designation inside the Chief Minister’s office — especially in Tamil Nadu, where Dravidian politics has historically promoted rationalism and scientific thinking.
Congress MP Sasikanth Senthil summed up the confusion in one viral line on X: “Beats me. Why would an astrologer require an OSD position?? Can anyone explain.”
Soon, leaders from Congress, CPI(M), VCK and DMDK began publicly attacking the appointment.
Who is Rathin Pandit and why is he close to Vijay?
Rathin Pandit, popularly known in some circles as Ricky Radhan Pandit, is believed to have been associated with Vijay during several key political and personal moments in recent years.
He became especially visible around Vijay after reportedly predicting the actor-turned-politician’s electoral rise well before the TVK government came to power.
That prediction is now being repeatedly mentioned online — sometimes seriously, sometimes sarcastically.
Why are Vijay’s allies upset over the appointment?
The strongest criticism came from leaders who would otherwise be expected to support Vijay’s broader political direction.
CPI(M) state secretary P Shanmugam said appointing an astrologer to an official post goes against the government’s duty to encourage scientific thinking.
VCK general secretary D Ravikumar called the move “unacceptable in a secular government.”
Congress MP Jothimani also warned that the appointment risks damaging the ideological image TVK has tried to build around Periyarist and rationalist values.
Even DMDK leader Premalatha Vijayakanth sharply criticised the move inside the Assembly, calling it “highly condemnable.”
That is what made the controversy politically dangerous for Vijay.
Because this was not just opposition trolling.
The criticism started coming from across ideological allies too.
This has been the first major perception battle Vijay’s new administration faced after assuming office.
(With agency inputs)
