3 weeks ago

Tamil Nadu government appointments of Vijay's film associates face scrutiny

Tamil Nadu government appointments of Vijay's film associates face scrutiny
Tamil Nadu govt appointments: From producers to singers, why chief minister Vijay’s associates face scrutiny · CNBC TV 18

In Tamil Nadu, a state in India, a famous movie actor named Vijay became the Chief Minister, the leader of the state government.

Now, his government has chosen some people who worked with him in movies to do important government jobs.

One of them is a movie producer named Archana Kalpathi Aghoram, who made some of Vijay's films.

Another is a singer named Velmurugan, who sang with Vijay during his election campaign.

They joined a committee that helps choose people to take care of temples that earn a lot of money.

Some people are not happy about this because they think these jobs should go to temple experts, not movie friends.

The government says the choices are good because the producer has donated money to temples and the singer performs devotional songs.

A businessman who helped make one of Vijay's films also got a job as Tamil Nadu's representative in Delhi.

Vijay's old personal manager also became his Political Private Secretary in the government.

Many people are debating whether it is fair for the Chief Minister's movie friends to get these government jobs.

Key facts

Chief Minister
Vijay
HR&CE committee appointees
Archana Kalpathi Aghoram and Velmurugan
Date of HR&CE appointments
August 10
Committee's task
Panel for non-hereditary trustees of temples earning more than ₹10 lakh annually
Committee chairperson
Thavathiru Sivagnana Balaya Swamigal of Bommapuram Adheenam
Delhi representative
Venkata Narayana, appointed June 23
Political Private Secretary
Jagadish Palanisamy, appointed May 12, 2026
Unconfirmed report
Security-related position under consideration for bodyguard Nayeem Mooza

Quotes

HR&CE Minister Ramesh

Tamil Nadu Minister in charge of Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments

“Archana Kalpathi had identities beyond her association with the film industry and claimed that she had personally contributed funds to more than 10 temples for renovation and other religious activities.”
CNBC TV 18
“The committee will be headed by Thavathiru Sivagnana Balaya Swamigal of Bommapuram Adheenam, Mayilam.”
CNBC TV 18

Sources

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