Vijay’s First Big Move as Tamil Nadu CM: 717 Liquor Shops to Shut Down

Chennai: A new government was formed in Tamil Nadu and as soon as Chief Minister Joseph Vijay assumed office, he took a decision which people had been demanding for a long time. He ordered the closure of 717 government liquor shops running near temples, mosques, churches, schools, colleges and bus stands in the state. He gave this order just a few hours after becoming the CM.

Which shops will be closed?

According to the government order, the TASMAC liquor shops which come within 500 metres of religious places, schools, colleges and bus stands will be closed within two weeks. There are currently a total of 4765 TASMAC shops across Tamil Nadu. Of these, 276 are near religious places, 186 are near schools and colleges and 255 are near bus stands. Including these three, 717 shops will be closed.

Why was there a need to take this decision?

The fact is that the common people, especially women and children, were very upset due to the presence of liquor shops in these places. It is not difficult to understand how parents would feel if there were a liquor shop outside the school. Liquor shops near temples and mosques also hurt religious sentiments. People had been complaining about this for a long time and finally the new government took action on it.

How important is this decision for Vijay?

Taking such a big decision on the very first day of becoming CM says a lot in itself. In politics, people often make promises and forget them later, but Vijay delivered on the very first day. People are considering this as a sign that this government really wants to do something on the ground.

How was the new government formed in Tamil Nadu?

51-year-old Vijay used to work in films earlier and people used to see him on screen. But he entered politics and formed his own party Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam. This time his party emerged as the largest party in the elections. Formed government with Congress, Left parties, VCK and Muslim League. This is the first time in the history of Tamil Nadu that a coalition government has been formed.