Tamil Nadu CM Vijay closes 717 liquor shops statewide.
Liquor shop closures despite Tamil Nadu’s massive alcohol revenue.
Vijay’s First Big Swing: Shutting 717 Booze Shops Near Temples, Schools in Tamil Nadu
Thalaivaa! Tamil Nadu’s new Chief Minister Joseph Vijay—yes, the Thuppakki superstar turned TVK boss—just dropped his opening salvo: Close 717 TASMAC liquor shops within 500 meters of temples, schools, and bus stands. Two weeks, done. It’s a crowd-pleaser from the man whose Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) stormed last month’s Assembly polls, snagging 108 seats (107 after Vijay ditches one of his doubles).
But the win wasn’t smooth. Short 10 for majority in the 234-seat House, it sparked a nail-biting week of horse-trading. Enter allies: Congress, two Left parties, and Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK). Numbers locked, drama over—Vijay sworn in, fans erupting like it’s a Mersal climax.
Official word: “With public welfare in mind, CM C Joseph Vijay orders 717 retail shops shut pronto.” TASMAC’s empire? 4,765 outlets statewide. Breakdown: 276 too close to poojas, 186 near kids’ classrooms, 255 by bus hubs. It’s moral muscle—keeping the devil’s brew away from sacred spots, young minds, and daily commuters.
Vijay’s tapping a chord that transcends parties. TN’s long wrestled prohibition whispers; even rivals nod at shielding vulnerable zones. Picture a temple-side arrack den—drunk uncles stumbling into evening aartis? Or schoolgates peddling cheap rum to teens? Bus stands, booze-fueled brawls? No more, says Thalaivaa.
Yet, here’s the kicker: TASMAC’s cash cow. 2025 raked Rs 48,000 crore+—state’s booze bucks fund roads, schools, health. Closures nibble revenue (maybe 10-15%), but Vijay’s betting optics outweigh spreadsheets. Fans cheer “people first”; critics crunch numbers, fearing hikes elsewhere or black-market boom.
It’s pure Vijay: From screen heroism to real-life reform. TVK’s poll pitch? Clean governance, youth jobs, anti-corruption. This fits—signal to the masses he’s no pushover. Kollywood’s king, now king’s the state; expect more star-sized moves, maybe film-city boosts or fan-welfare schemes.
TN’s changed. AIADMK-DMK duopoly cracked; TVK’s youth wave (think Gen Z voters) flipped scripts. Allies like Congress (secular heft) and VCK (Dalit voice) add heft, but Vijay steers. Liquor lobby grumbles? He’ll face ’em like a villain showdown.
For everyday Tamilians—Amma canteen aunties, IT pros in Chennai, farmers in Madurai—it’s hope. Safer streets, sober bus rides, temples booze-free. Revenue dip? Cross that bridge with efficiencies or tourism taxes.
Vijay’s era dawns bold. Two weeks ’til shutters slam—will TASMAC comply smoothly? Fans say yes; foes watch. Either way, Tamil Nadu’s got a blockbuster CM calling shots.