Published May 13, 2026 | 2:06 PM ⚊ Updated May 13, 2026 | 2:10 PM
Vijay taking oath as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu on 10 May 2026.
Synopsis: Principal Secretary Reeta Harish Thakkar issued the order revoking the appointment within 24 hours of appointing Vettrivel, who reportedly had predicted Vijay’s elevation as the chief minister a year ago.
Following widespread criticism from the Opposition as well as allies, the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government on Wednesday, 13 May, revoked the appointment of Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay’s astrologer, Ricky Radhan Pandit Vettrivel, as an officer on special duty in the Chief Minister’s Office.
Principal Secretary Reeta Harish Thakkar issued the order revoking the appointment within 24 hours of appointing Vettrivel, who reportedly had predicted Vijay’s elevation as the chief minister a year ago.
Besides being Vijay’s personal astrologer, Vettrivel was also a TVK spokesperson, who was active during the Assembly election campaign.
Also Read: Star power: CM Vijay appoints personal astrologer as his OSD
Incidentally, an Advocate from Tiruvallur, R Rathi, had moved the Madras High Court, challenging Vettrivel’s appointment.
The petitioner alleged that the appointment was made without following any established rules or procedures and without issuing any public notification, making the appointment illegal.
The petition further contended that the appointment amounted to a “backdoor entry” into government service and was contrary to the Constitution as well as Supreme Court judgments governing public appointments.
The petitioner sought an interim order restraining Vettrivel from continuing in the post of Special Officer.
Meanwhile, advocate Krishnamoorthy also made a mention before the High Court challenging the appointment of Ricky Rathan Pandit as Special Officer.
The Madras High Court, on Wednesday, had permitted the matter to be formally filed as a petition. The appointment order was revoked later.
