Tamil Nadu CM Vijay removes astrologer from OSD post:Move comes a day after appointment amid backlash

Hours after the Tamil Nadu government led by Chief Minister Vijay cleared a floor test in the Assembly, the Chief Minister on Wednesday removed astrologer Radhan Pandit from the post of Special Duty Officer (OSD), a position he was appointed to just a day earlier. The decision came amid criticism from opposition parties and some alliance partners, who objected to the appointment of an astrologer in a government role. Sources said the appointment was rolled back following mounting political pressure. Close aide with long association Radhan Pandit is widely known to be a close aide of CM Vijay and has often been associated with his political and personal advisory circle. He had reportedly predicted Vijay’s rise to the Chief Minister’s post and was also involved in discussions around the timing of Vijay’s oath-taking ceremony on May 10. Apart from astrology, Radhan has served as a spokesperson for TVK and was among the first to meet Vijay after the election results on May 4. ‘Tsunami-like horoscope’ remark During the election campaign period, Radhan had publicly described Vijay’s horoscope as “tsunami-like,” suggesting it could create a major political impact in Tamil Nadu. He had also claimed that the name “TVK,” when analysed through numerology and astrology, aligned with Vijay’s horoscope. He is also said to have earlier been a spiritual advisor to former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa and has over four decades of experience in astrology. Opposition and allies raise objections The appointment drew sharp criticism from political allies and opposition members. Thameemun Ansari, chief of TVK’s ally MJK, said in the Assembly that while personal belief in astrology is an individual choice, it should not have a place in government appointments. DMDK general secretary and MLA Premalatha Vijayakanth also condemned the move, questioning the inclusion of an astrologer in an official government position. Floor test details The Vijay-led government successfully passed the floor test in the Tamil Nadu Assembly on Wednesday. Out of 171 MLAs present, 144 voted in favour of the government, securing a comfortable majority. These included 25 rebel MLAs from AIADMK, which has a total strength of 47. Twenty-two MLAs voted against the motion, all from the remaining AIADMK members. The DMK, which has 59 MLAs, walked out before voting. Five MLAs (four from PMK and one from BJP) were absent. The Speaker did not cast a vote, and one TVK MLA did not participate due to an ongoing court case. ​