Chennai, 23 June (H.S.):Jagadish Palanisamy, a long-time associate of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay and a prominent figure in the Tamil film industry, has been appointed as the Chief Minister’s Private Secretary, bringing one of Vijay’s closest confidants into a key administrative role in the new government.

The appointment was made through a government order issued on May 12, 2026, just two days after Vijay assumed office as Chief Minister following the Tamizhaga Vettri Kazhagam’s (TVK) electoral victory. However, the appointment came to public attention only this week after Palanisamy shared the government order on social media.

The post quickly gained traction online, with the order being widely circulated across social media platforms and drawing renewed attention to the composition of the Chief Minister’s office.

In a heartfelt message on X, Palanisamy recalled his long association with Vijay, describing his appointment as the culmination of a remarkable personal journey.

“Eighteen years ago, I stood in line as a die-hard fan, hoping for a photo with you. Today, I stand beside you as the Private Secretary to the Hon’ble Chief Minister. Life has come full circle,” he wrote, expressing gratitude to Vijay for the opportunities he had received over the years.

Palanisamy is a well-known talent manager and film producer who has worked closely with Vijay for more than a decade during the actor’s film career. He has been widely regarded as one of Vijay’s most trusted associates, playing a significant role in managing the star’s professional engagements and public image before his transition into politics.

His appointment has sparked interest because it places a long-time loyalist in one of the most influential positions within the Chief Minister’s office.

Notably, Palanisamy’s appointment coincided with the appointment of astrologer Rickey Radhan Pandit Vettrivel as Officer on Special Duty (Political) to the Chief Minister. That appointment, however, drew criticism from opposition parties and some alliance partners, prompting the government to revoke it within a day.

With Palanisamy’s appointment now in the spotlight, attention has once again shifted to the individuals entrusted with key responsibilities in Chief Minister Vijay’s administration and the role played by his long-standing associates in shaping the new government.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman