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Coimbatore Astrologers Condemn Vanniyarasu’s Astrology Remark

SimpliCity News Team · 13 May 2026

Coimbatore: The controversy erupted after VCK MLA from Tindivanam and Deputy General Secretary of the party, Vanniyarasu, criticised Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay’s decision to appoint astrologer Rickey Radhan Pandit Vettrivel as Officer on Special Duty (Political). The MLA termed the appointment “against scientific temper” and called for it to be withdrawn, citing constitutional values and rationalist principles.

Responding to the criticism, association founder-president Prasanna Manikandan defended the appointment, stating that it was based on trust, capability, and a long-standing association with the Chief Minister. He said targeting a person solely because he is an astrologer amounts to insulting lakhs of astrologers and the beliefs of millions of people across Tamil Nadu.

Rickey Radhan Pandit Vettrivel had gained public attention during the 2026 Assembly elections for confidently predicting TVK’s victory well before the results and was recently appointed as a Special Officer in the Chief Minister’s office.

The astrologers’ association also demanded that Vanniyarasu withdraw his remarks and issue a public apology, warning that statewide protests would be launched if no action is taken.

vanniyarasu astrology vck rickey radhan pandit vettrivel chief minister coimbatore astrologers association political controversy rationalism tamil nadu politics

Coimbatore Astrologers Condemn Vanniyarasu’s Astrology Remark

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