Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay by appointing an astrologer as his OSD has demolished his image of a rationalist and a changemaker.
By TRH Op-Ed Desk
New Delhi, May 13, 2026 — Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay is outrightly guilty of doublespeak. While he trumps his image of a rationalist, his appointment of Rickey Radhan Pandit Vetrivel, an astrologer, as his officer on special duty, bares holes in his popular narrative. The allies of the TVK have questioned the appointment.
Vijay took oath as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu with a loud sartorial statement. He wore black trouser and a white shirt. Except for a tie, his oath dress was a western outfit. His ministers followed him by copying his sartorial taste. They were all wearing trousers and shirts. S. Keerthana was the sole exception. The lone minister in the Vijay’s Cabinet wore Saree.
As the first non-Dravidian CM in the six decades, Vijay shunned the popular Tamil Nadu dress of politicians — Vesti and white shirt. But that was for the cameras.
Actions unfolded in appointments. An astrologer as his key aide. He is credited for “rightly predicting” future of Vijay.
Astrologers make hey with politicians. From Maharashtra to Delhi, Netas seek out astrologers. One in a lakh, possibly, hits the jackpot when their predictions, often glorious for clients, come true.
Such astrologers then turn into land sharks, going on land buying spree with excessive influence over the politician clients.
From prime ministers to chief ministers, politicians in India have shown a non-partisan weakness to fall for astrologers and spiritual guides. They come in different frames. Some of them become Katha-vachaks or the story tellers. Their legends bring them followers in millions. Politicians compete to get into their frames as they seek electoral security.
They hold events where norms and rules are shunned. Followers die in stampedes. But such powerful figures are never touched by the power of the day.
In appointing an astrologer as his OSD, Vijay is telling Tamil Nadu — he’s not another brick in the wall, he’s just another brick in the wall.
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