Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has removed his astrologer from the post of Officer on Special Duty (OSD) following strong political criticism over the controversial appointment.

The move comes just days after Vijay appointed his astrologer, Radhan Pandit Vettrivel, to a key position in the Chief Minister’s Office. The decision had triggered immediate backlash from political allies and opposition leaders, who questioned the relevance and appropriateness of appointing an astrologer to an official government post.

According to the report, the appointment drew criticism over concerns related to governance practices and the role of non-administrative figures in official decision-making. Several leaders argued that such a move could send the wrong message in a constitutional framework that emphasizes scientific temper in public administration.

Facing mounting pressure, Vijay has now decided to withdraw the appointment, marking a quick reversal in a politically sensitive matter that had already sparked debate across Tamil Nadu’s political circles.

The astrologer, who was previously seen as a close aide and had reportedly predicted Vijay’s electoral success, had been made OSD shortly after the formation of the government. However, the decision quickly became a point of controversy, forcing the administration to reconsider.

The development highlights the growing scrutiny around key appointments made by the new government and the political challenges facing Vijay in his early tenure as Chief Minister.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leader C. Joseph Vijay has won a crucial vote of confidence in the state Assembly, securing 144 votes and comfortably crossing the majority mark. The result confirms the stability of his government following a politically charged floor test marked by shifting loyalties and opposition abstentions.

DMK walkout and aiadmk abstention shape vote dynamics

The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) walked out of the Assembly ahead of the vote with its 59 MLAs, while the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), led by Edappadi K. Palaniswami, abstained from voting with its 47 MLAs.

This absence from two major opposition blocs significantly influenced the final numbers in the confidence motion.

144 votes secure majority for tvk government

Vijay’s government received support from 144 lawmakers in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly, comfortably above the required majority mark. Only 22 members voted against the motion, while five MLAs chose to abstain.

The outcome ensures that the TVK-led government retains power, at least for now, in a politically fragmented Assembly.

25 aiadmk mlas break ranks to support vijay

A major political development emerged during the voting, with 25 AIADMK MLAs defying party leadership and voting in favour of Vijay’s government. This internal rebellion highlights a widening rift within the AIADMK and raises questions about its future cohesion under Palaniswami’s leadership.

The split has added a new dimension to Tamil Nadu politics, where cross-voting played a decisive role in shaping the final result.

Vijay calls victory a mandate for change

After the results were announced, Vijay described the outcome as a turning point, stating that his party symbol had “changed history.” He indicated that the TVK government would function as a minority administration focused on safeguarding the rights of all sections of society.

Political implications of a fractured opposition

While the floor test has secured Vijay’s position as chief minister, the deeper political story lies in the fragmentation of the opposition, particularly within the AIADMK. The emergence of rebel MLAs supporting TVK signals potential long-term realignments in Tamil Nadu’s political landscape.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay has appointed astrologer and TVK spokesperson Radhan Pandit Vettrivel as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to the Chief Minister, a move that has sparked criticism from allies and opposition leaders.

Radhan Pandit, who had publicly predicted a major electoral victory for Vijay and the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, has been considered a close aide of the Chief Minister during the party’s election campaign.

The appointment drew sharp reactions from leaders within the Congress and Left parties. Congress MP Sasikanth Senthil questioned the decision in a post on X, asking why an astrologer required an OSD position in government.

Leaders from the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) and CPI(M) also criticised the move, arguing that such appointments go against the principles of scientific temper and secular governance.

According to reports, Radhan Pandit was among the first people to visit Vijay’s residence after TVK’s strong performance in the assembly elections. He has also been associated with the party as a spokesperson and political commentator.

The controversy comes amid rapid political developments in Tamil Nadu following the formation of the new TVK-led government.