That man is Rathin Pandey, also known as Ricky Radhan Pandit — an astrologer believed to be close to Vijay for years.
Now, his appointment as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) and political wing secretary in the Chief Minister’s office has triggered criticism not just from the opposition, but even from parties supporting Vijay’s government.
And the backlash got loud enough that Vijay himself has now responded.
“I will reconsider certain issues pointed out by the opposition parties,” the Chief Minister said in the Assembly — a statement many are reading as a signal that Rathin Pandey’s appointment could soon be reviewed, or even reversed.
Why is Rathin Pandey’s appointment causing controversy?
The controversy is less about astrology itself and more about where the astrologer has been appointed.
Critics are questioning why a person known publicly as an astrologer needs an official government designation inside the Chief Minister’s office — especially in Tamil Nadu, where Dravidian politics has historically promoted rationalism and scientific thinking. Congress MP Sasikanth Senthil summed up the confusion in one viral line on X: “Beats me. Why would an astrologer require an OSD position?? Can anyone explain.”
Soon, leaders from Congress, CPI(M), VCK and DMDK began publicly attacking the appointment.
Who is Rathin Pandey and why is he close to Vijay?
Rathin Pandey, popularly known in some circles as Ricky Radhan Pandit, is believed to have been associated with Vijay during several key political and personal moments in recent years.
He became especially visible around Vijay after reportedly predicting the actor-turned-politician’s electoral rise well before the TVK government came to power.
That prediction is now being repeatedly mentioned online — sometimes seriously, sometimes sarcastically.
Why are Vijay’s allies upset over the appointment?
The strongest criticism came from leaders who would otherwise be expected to support Vijay’s broader political direction.
CPI(M) state secretary P Shanmugam said appointing an astrologer to an official post goes against the government’s duty to encourage scientific thinking.
VCK general secretary D Ravikumar called the move “unacceptable in a secular government.”
Congress MP Jothimani also warned that the appointment risks damaging the ideological image TVK has tried to build around Periyarist and rationalist values.
Even DMDK leader Premalatha Vijayakanth sharply criticised the move inside the Assembly, calling it “highly condemnable.”
That is what made the controversy politically dangerous for Vijay.
Because this was not just opposition trolling.
The criticism started coming from across ideological allies too.
Did Vijay hint that Rathin Pandey could be removed?
That possibility is now becoming the biggest talking point.
When Vijay said he would “reconsider certain issues” raised by opposition parties during the confidence motion debate, many interpreted it as an indirect acknowledgment that the appointment had become a political liability.
So far, there has been no official confirmation that Rathin Pandey will be removed.
But based on his statement, the government may quietly roll back or redesign the appointment before the controversy grows bigger.
Especially because this is the first major perception battle Vijay’s new administration is facing after assuming office.
Why is this becoming such a huge internet discussion?
Because the story sits at the intersection of politics, celebrity culture, belief systems and governance.
On one side are people saying politicians have always privately consulted astrologers, so singling out Vijay is hypocrisy.
On the other side are critics asking a sharper question:
Private belief is one thing — but should an astrologer hold an official government position?
That debate is now dominating political conversations in Tamil Nadu.
And for Vijay, who entered politics promising a fresh style of governance, the controversy has quickly turned into an early test of image, ideology and political messaging.
(With agency inputs)
