Chennai: Facing major backlash for appointing astrologer Randhan Pandit as Officer on Special Duty (OSD), now the Tamil Nadu government led by Vijay on Wednesday triggered political criticism and initiated debate online.
The development came after the appointment at the key post. Vijay on Wednesday passed the confidence motion in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly with flying colors, securing the support of 144 MLAS- which is above the majority mark of 118.
Vetrrivel was the one who predicted the landslide victory of Vijay. However, the move raised eyebrows in several quarters, including its ally party leaders of Congress. Apart from being the astrologer, he was also the TVK’s spokesperson and worked as a close ide to the leadership during the last electoral campaign.
Congress MP Sasikanth Senthil criticised the appointment in his X post saying,” Beats me. Why would an astrologer require an OSD position?? Can anyone explain?”
CPI (M) state secretary P Shanumgam said the decision contradicted the government’s responsibility to promote rational thinking.
Moreover, VCK general secretary D ravikumar objected and called it “unacceptable” in a secular government.
Vettrivel reportedly had a high-profile list of clients that included former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, with several key political decisions during her tenure said to have been taken after consulting him. However, the two are believed to have fallen out after his prediction that she would avoid jail in the disproportionate assets case proved incorrect.
Ahead of the floor test too Vaani Arasu of the VCK urged the state government that having him in the government makes it seem to demote scientific and rational thinking instead of encouraging practices that are fact based and discourage superstition.
He said,” Our government should give importance to scientific thinking and not astrology”.
Meanwhile, Premalata Vijayakanth of the Desiya Murkoppu Dravida Kazhagam questioned Vijay over the move, saying it set the wrong example for the public, particularly young voters who had strongly backed his party.
Also Read: Kerala CM Decision Likely Today After Talks; Posters, Delhi Talks, Congress Split Exposed