CHENNAI, May 13 : Public resentment and ridicule as well as strong rebuke from allies and the opposition alike, forced Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and TVK President C Joseph Vijay to revoke the appointment of his personal astrologer Rickey Radhan Pandit Vettrivel as his Officer on Special Duty (OSD – Political) within 24 hours on Wednesday.
The New Delhi-based renowned astrologer, also a spokesperson for the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), was appointed as OSD for the Chief Minister only on Tuesday, raising the hackles of the Congress, VCK, Left Parties and the IUML, which demanded reconsideration of the decision.
It had an echo in the assembly during the debate on the confidence vote sought by the Chief Minister. Allies, who offered outside support to him, particularly the VCK, IUML and the Left were highly critical of the move and termed it contrary to the constitution’s spirit, which calls for instilling scientific temper.
DMDK leader Premalatha Vijayakanth debunked the appointment, thundering, “If he is your Rajguru, keep it to yourself and keep it with you.” “When the Chief Minister said he is not from a royal lineage, everyone welcomed it. But today, he appointed a person who is his Rajguru, Rathan Pandit, as an Officer on Special Duty (Political), a Government post. I condemn this. If he is your Rajguru, keep it personal. The youth have reposed faith in you and what example are you setting for them What message are you sending to them and to the future You have to clarify.”
Responding to this, Vijay told the House he would reconsider the decision and the Government Order appointing Vettrivel as OSD has been revoked.
However, this led to an avalanche of memes on social media questioning whether the astrologer could not foresee his own fate. Some social media users urged the Chief Minister to engage top economists and sociologists to decide government policy rather than depending on astrologers, which might prove dangerous.. (UNI)
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