CM Vijay Orders TASMAC Closure Near Schools and Temples in TN

‘A Promise Kept’: CM Vijay Issues Sweeping Order to Shut Down TASMAC Shops Near Schools, Temples, and Hospitals

Just days after his historic swearing-in, the new Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and TVK leader delivers on a massive campaign promise, initiating a major crackdown on state-run liquor sales in sensitive zones.

CHENNAI, INDIA, May 12 — In a massive, highly anticipated breaking development, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and Tamizhaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) President C. Joseph Vijay has officially signed a landmark executive order mandating the immediate closure of hundreds of TASMAC (Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation) liquor outlets across the state. Delivering on one of his core electoral pledges just days after forming the new government, CM Vijay has directed state authorities to permanently shut down all TASMAC shops situated in the immediate vicinity of educational institutions, places of worship, and medical facilities. The sweeping directive, which has already sent shockwaves through the state's administrative and political circles, marks the new administration's first aggressive step toward strictly regulating alcohol consumption and prioritizing public welfare over state revenue.

The operational parameters of the Chief Minister's order are designed to be immediate and uncompromising. According to top secretariat sources, the directive explicitly instructs district collectors and TASMAC administrative officials to begin identifying and sealing retail liquor vending shops that violate newly established buffer zones.

Specifically, the order targets:

 Educational Institutions: All public and private schools, colleges, and university campuses.

 Places of Worship: Temples, churches, mosques, and other recognized religious centers.

 Medical Facilities: Government hospitals, private clinics, and rehabilitation centers.

 Other Sensitive Areas: Residential hubs with historically high rates of public nuisance complaints.

This highly decisive move perfectly aligns with the aggressive, reform-centric vision Vijay heavily promoted during his historic 2026 campaign. Throughout the election trail, the TVK vehemently criticized previous Dravidian administrations for relying too heavily on TASMAC revenues at the direct expense of the state's youth and families. By immediately pulling the plug on outlets in sensitive zones, CM Vijay is actively attempting to reshape Tamil Nadu's social fabric. This TASMAC crackdown is being rolled out simultaneously with his other massive maiden initiatives, which include the immediate establishment of a specialized "Women Protection Force," a dedicated anti-drug task force, and the heavily publicized rollout of 200 units of free electricity for households.

While grassroots supporters and social activists are fiercely celebrating the closures as a monumental victory for public health and safety, the move presents an immediate, massive financial challenge for the newly formed TVK government. TASMAC revenues have historically served as the absolute financial backbone of Tamil Nadu's state budget, heavily funding massive welfare schemes. Financial analysts are already raising critical questions regarding how the Vijay administration plans to offset the multi-crore revenue deficit caused by these closures while simultaneously funding his ambitious new welfare promises. Nevertheless, as the first locks are placed on TASMAC doors near schools and temples today, CM Vijay has sent an undeniable, highly visible message to the electorate: the era of business-as-usual in Tamil Nadu politics is officially over.