Chennai: In a move that has sparked widespread discussion in political and administrative circles, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay has appointed noted astrologer Rickey Radhan Pandit Vettrivel as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to the Chief Minister (Political).
The appointment came just a day after Vijay was sworn in as Chief Minister on May 11, 2026. An official order issued by the Tamil Nadu government on May 12 stated that “Thiru Rickey Radhan Pandit Vettrivel is appointed as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to Chief Minister (Political) with effect from the date of joining.” The government added that detailed terms and conditions of his appointment would be issued separately.
The decision has attracted considerable attention because Rickey Radhan Pandit Vettrivel is widely known as an astrologer and spiritual advisor who publicly predicted Vijay’s rise to power nearly a year before the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.
Who Is Rickey Radhan Pandit Vettrivel?
Rickey Radhan Pandit Vettrivel, originally named Vettrivel, is a well-known Vedic astrologer, numerologist, and spiritual advisor from Erode in Tamil Nadu. He has been practicing astrology, meditation, and numerology since 1983 and has built a reputation over more than four decades as a consultant to politicians, celebrities, and business leaders.
Over the years, he has worked in Mumbai, Singapore, and Delhi, expanding his clientele beyond Tamil Nadu and establishing himself as a nationally recognized astrologer.
Early Life and Background
Born in Erode, Tamil Nadu, Vettrivel began his career as a traditional astrologer before gradually gaining prominence in elite political circles. In the 1990s, he moved to Mumbai, where he developed a strong reputation among corporate leaders and public figures.
Later, after spending time in Singapore and Delhi, he adopted the name “Radhan Pandit Vettrivel,” a strategic rebranding that helped broaden his appeal to a wider Indian and international clientele.
Despite his North Indian-sounding professional name, he remains deeply rooted in Tamil Nadu and maintains strong connections to Chennai and Erode.
Association with J. Jayalalithaa
Rickey Radhan Pandit Vettrivel was once closely associated with former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa. He reportedly began advising her in the late 1980s and is said to have accurately predicted her landmark electoral victory in 1991.
He also allegedly advised her on various astrological matters, including changes to the spelling of her name and branding strategies.
However, their relationship reportedly ended after he predicted that she would avoid imprisonment in the disproportionate assets case. When she was convicted and jailed in 2014, the association came to an abrupt end.
Entry into Vijay’s Political Circle
Rickey Radhan Pandit Vettrivel became increasingly visible in actor-turned-politician C. Joseph Vijay’s inner circle as the Tamizhaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) prepared for its electoral debut.
According to political sources, he advised Vijay to contest from a constituency beginning with the letter “V.” He also appeared in several media interviews predicting a “tsunami victory” for Vijay and TVK in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.
Following TVK’s historic electoral success, his formal appointment to the Chief Minister’s Office is being seen as recognition of the trust and influence he has built within Vijay’s political ecosystem.
Appointment as Officer on Special Duty (Political)
As OSD (Political), Rickey Radhan Pandit Vettrivel is expected to serve as a strategic liaison between the Chief Minister and various political stakeholders. The position typically involves coordinating political communication, managing outreach, and assisting with policy and organizational matters.
His appointment is unusual because it marks the transition of a well-known astrologer into an official government role within the Chief Minister’s Office.
Academic and Spiritual Credentials
Beyond astrology, Vettrivel is recognized for his work in meditation, numerology, and spiritual counseling. Over the years, he has claimed to have advised leaders from multiple political parties, including the BJP, Congress, DMK, and AIADMK.
His long-standing presence in Indian political circles has made him one of the country’s more prominent and controversial astrologers.
Why the Appointment Is Significant
The appointment reflects Chief Minister Vijay’s trust in a long-time advisor who publicly supported his political journey. It also highlights the continued intersection of spirituality, personal belief, and politics in India.
While supporters view the move as a testament to loyalty and strategic counsel, critics have raised questions about the role of astrologers in formal government structures.
Regardless of differing opinions, Rickey Radhan Pandit Vettrivel’s appointment has become one of the most talked-about developments in the early days of the new Tamil Nadu government.
Read also: Who Is Ex-IRS K.G. Arunraj? Doctor, Tax Officer and Now Minister in Vijay’s New Tamil Nadu Cabinet
