3 weeks ago
Tamil Nadu government appointments of Vijay's film associates face scrutiny
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.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay appointed film producer Archana Kalpathi Aghoram and singer Velmurugan to a Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) committee on August 10.
The committee will prepare a panel for appointing non-hereditary trustees to temples with annual incomes exceeding ₹10 lakh.
HR&CE Minister Ramesh defended the picks, citing Archana Kalpathi's donations to more than 10 temples and Velmurugan's devotional singing.
Businessman Venkata Narayana, linked to Vijay's film Jana Nayagan, was appointed Tamil Nadu's Delhi representative on June 23.
Vijay's former personal manager Jagadish Palanisamy was appointed the Chief Minister's Political Private Secretary on May 12, 2026.
- Who
- Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay and his government; appointees Archana Kalpathi Aghoram, Velmurugan, Venkata Narayana and Jagadish Palanisamy; HR&CE Minister Ramesh.
- What
- Vijay's government appointed people from his film-industry circle to official posts, triggering accusations of favouritism and political debate.
- Where
- Tamil Nadu and Delhi, India.
- When
- Between May and August 2026 - HR&CE committee appointments on August 10, Delhi representative on June 23, Political Private Secretary on May 12, 2026.
- Why
- Critics question whether the appointees' long-standing professional and personal proximity to the Chief Minister influenced the selections, while the government cites their experience, contributions and ties to relevant fields.
Government defends appointments
Critics question selections
Temple committee selections
Government defends appointments
Minister Ramesh says Archana Kalpathi personally contributed funds to more than 10 temples for renovation, her father-in-law's organisation reportedly spent over ₹100 crore on temple activities, and Velmurugan regularly performs devotional songs at temples.
Critics question selections
Critics question whether the appointees have prior experience or expertise related to the functioning of the HR&CE Department and point to their long association with Chief Minister Vijay.
Appointing film-world associates
Government defends appointments
The government says there is nothing wrong with appointing people who helped bring the government to power; Minister C.T.R. Nirmal Kumar noted that even Leader of Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin was an actor and producer before entering politics.
Critics question selections
Opponents question giving government-linked positions to film producers and businessmen who have no prior political experience, saying the decisions were influenced by proximity to the Chief Minister.
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








