Vijay Govt Revokes Astrologer Appointment After Political Backlash

Tamil Nadu's ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam - fresh off a dramatic trust vote win Wednesday morning to reinforce its government - has rolled back the appointment of an astrologer as an Officer on Special Duty (Political). Radhan Pandit Vetrivel had been named to chief minister Joseph Vijay's staff, but that triggered protests from TVK critics and rivals, as well as a key ally - the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, which has offered its two seats in support of the chief minister. The rollback also followed TVK leader CT Nirmal Kumar telling reporters Vetrivel - who reportedly predicted Vijay's win and whose counsel persuaded the actor-politician to reschedule his oath-taking ceremony - was to serve as a media spokesperson and his profession is irrelevant. "He is our media person… our media spokesperson. He can be from any profession but has been appointed as a media handler," he told reporters after the TVK sailed through the vote.