Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay has appointed astrologer and political associate Rickey Radhan Pandit Vettrivel as Officer on Special Duty (Political) to the Chief Minister, according to an official government order issued on Monday.
The appointment was formalised through Office Proceedings No. 675 dated May 12, 2026, by the Public (Estt. IV) Department of the Tamil Nadu government. The order stated that Vettrivel would assume charge “with effect from the date of joining,” while detailed service conditions and responsibilities would be notified separately at a later stage.
The move has drawn significant political attention because Rickey Radhan Pandit is widely known not only as an astrologer close to Vijay, but also as one of the early public voices predicting the actor-turned-politician’s rise to power. During the Tamil Nadu Assembly election campaign, he had confidently dismissed exit polls and projected a sweeping victory for Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).
Speaking to the media ahead of counting day, Radhan Pandit had declared that TVK would secure “above 170 or above 140” seats and claimed the party’s internal survey showed support levels touching 45 per cent. In a dramatic prediction that later gained traction online, he had said, “109th hour, we are going to take the oath. Our Vijay will become the Chief Minister extraordinarily.”
His appointment is being viewed as another sign of the close inner circle Vijay is building after assuming office. Over the past few years, Rickey Radhan Pandit has frequently been seen accompanying Vijay during politically significant meetings, campaign events and personal appearances, leading to speculation about his growing influence within the TVK leadership structure.
The role of Officer on Special Duty (Political) is considered strategically important in state administrations. Officials appointed to the post generally coordinate political communication, handle liaison work between the Chief Minister’s Office and party functionaries, and assist in managing politically sensitive assignments.
The order appointing Vettrivel was issued following a note from the Chief Minister’s Office dated May 12, indicating that the decision came directly from the top levels of the new administration.
Vijay’s decision is likely to trigger debate in Tamil Nadu’s political circles, especially because of the unconventional background of the appointee. Supporters of the chief minister argue that trusted loyalists often become key political coordinators in regional parties, while critics are expected to question the optics of appointing an astrologer to a formal political-administrative role in the government.
The development comes at a time when the new Tamil Nadu government is rapidly expanding its political and bureaucratic framework following TVK’s landmark electoral victory, which marked one of the most dramatic political transitions in the state’s recent history.
