Newly-elected Chief Minister of India's Tamil Nadu state, Joseph Vijay, has ordered the closure of over 700 state-run liquor shops, according to a press statement released on Tuesday. This marks his first major move since being sworn in two days ago.

A total of 717 liquor retail outlets, operated by the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC), are affected. Stores located within 500 meters of places of worship, educational institutions, and bus stands across the southern Indian state have been directed to close within the next two weeks.

The press release published on the Tamil Nadu government's website stated that the decision by Vijay's government was taken in the "public's interest." Vijay had ordered a survey of TASMAC shops to identify outlets functioning near the specified areas soon after taking charge.

The state currently has a total of 4,765 TASMAC retail liquor outlets. During its election campaign, Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam party (TVK) had promised a "drug-free Tamil Nadu."

State elections were held on April 23. The TVK, founded in 2024, emerged as the single largest party in its debut election, but fell 10 seats short of a majority in the 234-member assembly.

Actor-turned-politician Vijay took oath as chief minister after garnering the numbers needed to form a government, ending days of suspense. His ascension marks a turning point in Tamil Nadu's political landscape, dominated for almost six decades by the DMK and AIADMK duopoly.

Vijay now faces a crucial vote of confidence to prove his majority in the state assembly.

Source: www.dw.com