In his first significant administrative decision after taking oath as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, Joseph Vijay on Tuesday ordered the closure of 717 state-run liquor retail outlets operating near places of worship, educational institutions, and bus stands across the state.
The order directs authorities to shut all Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (Tasmac) outlets functioning within a 500-metre radius of temples, mosques, churches, schools, colleges, and bus stands within the next two weeks.
Tamil Nadu currently has 4,765 Tasmac liquor retail shops in total. Of the 717 identified for closure, 276 are located near places of worship, 186 near educational institutions, and 255 near bus stands, according to the state government.
The decision is being projected by the new government as a key social reform measure aimed at addressing concerns over liquor accessibility in sensitive public areas. Tasmac, however, remains one of the state’s largest revenue-generating public sector undertakings, and the move is expected to trigger debate over its financial implications and the government’s ability to deliver on its broader welfare commitments.
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Who Is Vijay and How He Got Here
Vijay, the 51-year-old actor-turned-politician, took oath as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister on Sunday after his Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam scripted a remarkable electoral rise to emerge as the single largest party in the state. With the support of Congress, Left parties, VCK, and the Muslim League, TVK formed the first coalition government in Tamil Nadu’s history. In the Assembly, TVK currently holds 107 seats following Vijay’s resignation from the Tiruchirappalli East constituency, along with support from 13 MLAs drawn from Congress, VCK, IUML, and the Left parties. Vijay is expected to face a floor test soon to prove his majority.
Other Early Decisions
Beyond the liquor shop closures, Vijay approved the rollout of 200 units of free electricity for domestic consumers, cleared the formation of a special force dedicated to women’s safety, and sanctioned the establishment of anti-drug units in every district of the state.
The most pointed announcement, however, was directed at his political rival, the DMK. Vijay said a white paper detailing the state’s financial position during the 2021–2026 period under the previous government would be released.
“I have to tell you about the current status of the Tamil Nadu government. The state has been burdened with debt exceeding Rs 10 lakh crore and the treasury has been completely emptied, leaving an unbearable burden,” he said in his maiden address.
The Chief Minister also promised stronger measures for women’s safety and assured strict maintenance of law and order across the state.
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