Tamil Nadu CM Vijay Dismisses Astrologer Amid Controversy Over Appointment

Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister, Vijay, has taken the unexpected step of removing astrologer Rickey Rathan Pandit Vettrivel from his position as an officer on special duty. This decision comes in the wake of rising criticism surrounding Vettrivel’s appointment, which has sparked legal challenges and public outcry.

The controversy intensified after a petition was filed in the Madras High Court, questioning the legality of Vettrivel’s role in the government. The case was brought forward by a lawyer seeking urgent attention from a vacation bench comprising Justices Victoria Gowri and N Senthilkumar. The court is set to hear the matter following the filing of a writ of quo warranto, a legal instrument that requires individuals in public office to justify their authority to hold such positions.

At the center of the petitioner’s argument is a government order issued just a day prior, which outlined Vettrivel’s appointment but lacked the essential protocols typically associated with such positions, including a recruitment process, public notification, and the establishment of service rules. Critics of the appointment have argued that such lapses undermine the integrity of public service and raise questions about the motivations behind the selection.

Vettrivel, who reportedly made predictions regarding the political landscape in Tamil Nadu, had asserted that the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) would gain significant traction and that Vijay would secure a victory in the upcoming Assembly elections. His assertions, however, have not quelled concerns regarding the appropriateness of his appointment, which many view as politically motivated rather than based on merit.

In a related political development, the TVK successfully passed a confidence motion in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, with 144 members of the 234-member house voting in favor of the Vijay-led government. This vote of confidence underscores the political dynamics at play as the state prepares for the next electoral battle, amidst ongoing debates about governance and the role of traditional beliefs in contemporary politics.

Source: scroll.in