Vijay government cancels order appointing astrologer Rickey Radhan Pandit OSD (Politics) as CM

Rickey Radhan Pandit Vettrivel | Photo credit: X/@pandit_radhan

The Tamil Nadu government on Wednesday (May 13, 2026) revoked its Government Order (GO) appointing Rickey Radhan Pandit Vettrivel – an astrologer – as an officer on special duty (policy) to Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, following criticism from various quarters, including those raised in the Assembly earlier in the day.

The Vijay-led government appointed Mr Vettrivel to the post on Tuesday (May 12), drawing sharp criticism, including from TVK allies. DMDK general secretary Premallatha Vijayakant also strongly opposed the decision on the assembly floor on Wednesday. The cancellation of GO came soon after.

| Video Credit: PTI

Published – 13 May 2026 13:13 IST