How Vijay’s astrologer controversy sheds light on ‘star’ connections of politicians?

From scripted reel heroics displayed to perfection to the unscripted challenges of real politics, it was a baptism by fire for C. Joseph Vijay – Who got a taste of real politics for two days in office as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. The actor-politician’s first political appointment created such a storm that he was forced to cancel it within a day.Vijay on 12 May announced the appointment of his long-time spiritual advisor and astrologer Ricky Radhan Pandit Vetrivel as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) and canceled it on 13 May.Interestingly, Ricky Radhan Pandit Vetrivel’s one-day tenure will probably go down in the record books as the shortest tenure for an Officer on Special Duty (OSD) in the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister’s Office. Opposition parties accused Vijay of legitimizing superstition by using taxpayers’ money, while rationalist groups and even sections within his broader secular support base questioned how such an appointment fit into Tamil Nadu’s deeply Dravidian political culture.Ironically, both – the controversy over the appointment and then the sudden removal – point to political moments not often seen in politics. While the appointment led many to question the political wisdom of the first-time politician, the retreat reflected his courage in bowing to public criticism – a trait rarely seen in today’s politics.

Vijay is not the first

Vijay is not the first politician from Tamil Nadu to have links with an astrologer. MGR and his wife Janaki Ramachandran were big into astrology. Jayalalitha was also interested in prayers, rituals and astrology. Then why did Vijay become the target of not only his opponents but also his allies? The answer is: Vijay did what most others would avoid. “It was the first time for any astrologer to come out openly and claim that he was advising a chief ministerial aspirant and now the chief minister,” says political analyst R. Kannan, who has tracked state politics for decades.He further said, “Interestingly, Vijay’s astrologer was reportedly also Jayalalitha’s astrologer.” “It is believed that the ‘auspicious dates and times’ for MGR’s swearing-in in 1977 and 1980 were marked by his ghostwriter as well as Vidwan Lakshmanan, an astrologer. Again in 1984, Cho Ramaswamy revealed that when MGR became seriously ill, his wife had contacted astrologers known to her with MGR’s horoscope to consult and advise him whether MGR would be in America. Will recover from his medical treatment and will return as CM after winning the elections. All three astrologers confirmed to Cho that MGR would return healthy and be re-elected,” Kannan said.Late J. Jayalalitha’s political life was deeply linked to astrology, rituals and temple ceremonies. During periods of political crisis – particularly corruption cases and electoral uncertainty – he was frequently reported to have conducted elaborate yagyas, special pujas and astrological consultations for political reform. Kannan said, “Jayalalitha was also big into prayers, rituals and astrology. But neither MGR nor Jayalalitha discussed these things in public. Neither did their astrologers.”

What does the law say?

Was it legally wrong for Vijay to appoint his personal astrologer as OSD? The answer is “no”.Under Article 51A of the Constitution, India is a constitutional republic committed to scientific temper, humanism with ‘the spirit of common brotherhood beyond religious, linguistic and regional diversities’.Supreme Court lawyer and constitutional expert Gyanant Singh says that the appointment of OSD in the Chief Minister’s Office is a completely discretionary power of the Chief Minister. Gyanant Singh says, “As far as law is concerned, every state has its own business projects and institutions, on the basis of which the Chief Minister selects his advisors and his personal officers. Private people can be made OSD through government appointment at the will of the minister or the Chief Minister and can be removed at any time.”Explaining the role of OSD, Singh said, ‘OSD is generally appointed in the rank of Joint Secretary. This is as per the State Finance Department and the rank is mentioned in the appointment letter. The appointment letter contains the line that he will hold the post of an officer. The tenure will be at the will of the Chief Minister but subject to the signature of the Secretary.

Then why did Vijay blink his eyes?

Unlike most political controversies, Vijay’s astrologer controversy did not end with defiance. It ended with a retreat. This reversal was politically surprising as not many politicians do this today despite criticism or political attacks. Vijay got unprecedented support in the recent assembly elections. The youth of Tamil Nadu voted for him in large numbers. So, when some political opponents raised questions about what effect the controversy would have on the youth who look up to him, Vijay could not ignore the messaging debate. The actor-politician perhaps did not want to start his political innings on a controversial note and perhaps that explains why the actor-politician made the hasty move. “When it comes to Vijay’s case, it has nothing to do with power as the appointment was very correct (not against the law). Vijay backed out because he did not want public outcry. Generally, politicians do not go against the public’s views. Hence, he has reversed his decision to ensure that there is no adverse opinion about him or his appointment. At the moment, people have faith in him and whatever he does.” While Vijay bowed to the pressure of criticism, his counterpart in West Bengal remained unaffected by the attacks on his choice despite questions from the opposition. Adhikari faced criticism over the appointments of an election officer overseeing the West Bengal Assembly elections and a working journalist in governance-related roles. However, Suvendu remained firm on his decision. “In the West Bengal case, this is again the personal opinion of the Chief Minister. The law allows this because these appointments are at the discretion of the Chief Minister.”Suvendu, a seasoned politician, did what most others would do. And perhaps this is what makes Vijay’s vicissitudes significant. The debate was never just ‘Can he legally employ an astrologer?’ The big question was: ‘Should taxpayer-funded state offices be used for appointments based on personal trust?’ And politically, when Vijay canceled the order, he seemed to accept that difference.

Hidden influence of astrologers in Indian politics

Behind many public speeches around evolution and scientific temper, politics has long maintained a parallel culture of astrology, numerology, auspicious timing and spiritual counseling that transcends ideology, region and party lines.This incident is even before modern India.When India gained independence in 1947, the timing of the alleged transfer of power was also entangled in astrological considerations. Some Hindu astrologers reportedly raised concerns about August 15 being astrologically inauspicious. The midnight ceremony was ultimately seen as a compromise between constitutional process and astrological advice, with Rajendra Prasad participating in the religious rituals associated with the transition.Since then, stories have emerged in almost every major phase of Indian politics of leaders quietly relying on astrologers and avoiding public confession.Former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was related to Chandraswami, a controversial spiritual figure who later emerged as one of the most influential figures in Delhi’s political circles during the 1980s and 1990s.Chandraswami’s rise demonstrated how spiritual advisors could serve as shadow political arbiters. He built relationships not only with Indian politicians but also with businessmen, foreign leaders and bureaucrats. He provided spiritual advice to other well-known figures, including the Sultan of Brunei, Bahrain’s Sheikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, actress Elizabeth Taylor, British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and arms dealer Adnan Khashoggi. Over time, he became involved in power brokering, political networking and influence operations at the highest levels of government.Even leaders known for their administrative sophistication were not immune to astrological influence. PV Narasimha Rao, who is credited with initiating economic liberalization in India, is believed to have regularly consulted astrologers. Rao himself had a deep knowledge of Hindu philosophy and Sanskrit texts, and political observers often described him as someone who blended intellectual pragmatism with spiritual faith.Former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda has also been associated with astrology and auspicious timing for a long time. Political events, oath ceremonies, and even travel plans were often rumored to align with astrological consultations.Even in the age of ultra-modern politics and digital governance, such beliefs remain deeply embedded. The inauguration of India’s new Parliament building sparked debate not only over constitutional symbols but also over ceremonial rituals and choice of auspicious time. Critics argued that state functions increasingly appeared entwined with religious and astrological symbolism.

From Lalu Prasad Yadav to Digvijay Singh – Astrology is very deep in politics.

In Bihar, Lalu Prasad Yadav and the Rashtriya Janata Dal faced criticism in 2017 when the appointment of an astrologer in the Chief Minister’s office generated a controversy similar to the Vijay affair. Astrologer Shankar Charan Tripathi was appointed as RJD’s national spokesperson but was later expelled when he spoke out against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.In Karnataka, BS Yediyurappa reportedly changed the spelling of his name to “BS” Yediyurappa “based on numerological advice, believing that the amendment would improve his political fortunes. Such numerological interventions are remarkably common in Indian politics, especially in the southern states where film and political cultures often overlap.In Maharashtra, members of the Shiv Sena family have long been associated with astrology and spiritual symbolism. Bal Thackeray was known to wear rings with several gemstones, which have astrological significance. His grandson Aditya Thackeray also attracted attention by modifying the spelling of his first name from “Aditya” to “Aditya”.

In Madhya Pradesh, Digvijay Singh spoke openly on astrology, spirituality and religious practices. Culture extends far beyond individual leaders. In Telangana, K. Chandrasekhar Rao was known to organize elaborate religious rituals after the formation of the state in 2014. His government often held large-scale yajnas and temple ceremonies that were reportedly associated with prosperity and political stability. His son KT Rama Rao also attracted public attention when the party changed the colors and symbols associated with branding decisions, which critics linked to astrological considerations.For all its modernity, electoral sophistication and constitutional language, Indian politics is still deeply shaped by faith, symbolism and the belief that power is influenced not only by voters and institutions, but also by the stars.The relationship between politicians and astrologers is not a new thing, although it is rarely discussed in the open. In public, leaders speak the language of governance and development. Privately, many people consult astrologers before elections, cabinet expansions, oath ceremonies, party launches and even crisis-management decisions.