In a surprising move, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay has appointed his astrologer, Rickey Radhan Pandit Vetrivel, as his Officer on Special Duty (Political). This decision was formalized by an order from the Public Department Secretariat on Tuesday, signaling a unique blend of politics and astrology in the state’s governance.

Vetrivel is not a newcomer to the political landscape; he was once closely associated with the late Chief Minister Jayalalithaa. However, their association came to an end in 2014 after a controversial prediction regarding Jayalalithaa’s legal troubles went awry, leading to her imprisonment in a disproportionate assets case. Despite this setback, Vetrivel has continued to advise various political figures across the spectrum, including leaders from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Congress, and the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK).

The timing of Vetrivel’s appointment is particularly significant. It follows the recent electoral success of Vijay’s party, the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), which claimed 108 seats in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly during its inaugural electoral contest. This victory not only marked the emergence of TVK as the single-largest party but also facilitated the formation of a government in coalition with various other parties, including Congress and the CPI.

Political reactions to this appointment have been mixed. Congress MP Sasikanth Senthil expressed his bewilderment on social media, questioning the rationale behind appointing an astrologer to a position typically reserved for political strategists and advisors. His tweet stirred up discussions regarding the appropriateness of such appointments in the political arena and raised eyebrows about the role of astrology in modern governance.

As the political landscape in Tamil Nadu continues to evolve, the integration of unconventional roles such as that of an astrologer within the state’s administration may be seen as an attempt to bridge traditional beliefs with contemporary politics. Whether this appointment will yield a positive impact on Vijay’s leadership or lead to further scrutiny remains to be seen. Vetrivel’s past experiences and connections could potentially influence the CM’s decisions in ways that resonate with the electorate’s sentiments, especially in a state where astrology holds significant cultural importance.