Who Is Astrologer Radhan Pandit? Vijay’s New OSD Who Suggested ‘TVK’ Name And Predicted Poll Sweep

Last Updated:May 12, 2026, 18:33 IST

Astrologer Rickey Radhan Pandit Vettrivel's list of clients includes several influential politicians and political parties across India.

Two days after taking oath as the chief minister of Tamil Nadu, C Joseph Vijay has now found himself in a major controversy after he appointed astrologer and spiritual adviser Rickey Radhan Pandit Vettrivel as the Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to the CM.

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) ally CPI(M) has said that this move is “unacceptable" and appointing such a person as an officer at government expense will only serve to increase faith in astrology among the people.

CPI(M) leader Shanmugam P in a X post wrote, “It is the government’s duty to foster a scientific outlook. Ricky Radhan Pandit, who has been announced today as the political wing secretary of the Chief Minister, is fundamentally an astrologer. Appointing such a person as an officer at government expense will only serve to increase faith in astrology among the people. “Do not scorn astrology," said Bharathiyar. This appointment by the government is unacceptable! It is also unacceptable that he will provide political advice."

Who Is Radhan Pandit?

With over four decades of experience in Vedic astrology, numerology and meditation-based counselling, Radhan Pandit is regarded as one of India’s most prominent astrologers. Born in South India, he originally began his practice under the name “Pandit Vetrivel". In 2008, he shifted base to the national capital, Delhi, where he changed his name to “Radhan Pandit" — the identity through which he later built a nationwide reputation and cultivated a high-profile clientele.

His list of clients reportedly includes several influential politicians and political parties across India. According to media reports, he has, over the years, advised senior leaders from almost every major political party, including the BJP, Congress, DMK and AIADMK.

Perhaps the most talked-about chapter of his astrological career was his association with former Tamil Nadu chief minister J. Jayalalithaa. Radhan Pandit has often described himself as Jayalalithaa’s “spiritual guide". He had accurately predicted her sweeping electoral victory in 1991. However, in 1994, when he reportedly warned her about an impending turbulent phase, the prediction did not go down well with Jayalalithaa, leading to a fallout between the two.

As per media reports, Radhan Pandit had earlier described Vijay’s horoscope as possessing “tsunami-like" political strength. Vijay kept his party name TVK, because Radhan Pandit said the name was numerologically aligned with the actor-politician’s birth date.

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