TN CM Vijay cracks down on liquor sale
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on Tuesday ordered the closure of 717 State-run retail liquor outlets, including those near places of worship. Closing down of liquor shops has been a demand from women in the State.
The move was done keeping in mind the welfare of people, an official release said. Accordingly, 276 outlets near places of worship, 186 shops near educational institutions, and 255 outlets near bus stands will be closed within the next two weeks, it said.
Liquor sales is one of Government’s key revenue generators in Tamil Nadu.
Responding to the move, DMK spokesperson Saravanan Annadurai claimed such outlets were not present outside places of religious worship and educational institutions. “Will they open new shops and close them down. This is mere PR (public relations),” he posted ‘X.
The Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK), a strong votary of prohibition, welcomed Vijay’s announcement. PMK leader Dr Anbumani Ramadoss further demanded for the implementation of prohibition in the State.
The Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC) operates 4,765 retail liquor outlets across the State. In 2025, the revenue from liquor sales in Tamil Nadu was Rs 48,344 crore. TASMAC sells 551 brands of liquor imported from foreign countries, including 223 brands of wine being sold through licensed retail outlets.
Further, in his first missive to the Union Government after taking over as CM, Vijay raised the emotive issue of the arrest of Indian fishermen by the Sri Lankan navy and the repatriation of the fishers and the boats. Vijay’s party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) also banned its cadre from erecting banners and placards in public spaces.
Astrologer pick triggers row
Chennai: Congress MP Sasikanth Senthil on Tuesday questioned the posting of “an astrologer” as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) by the TN State Government. Senthil reposted on his ‘X’ handle, a copy of the letter purportedly appointing Rickey Radhan Pandit Vettrivel as OSD to the Chief Minister with immediate effect.
The letter, dated May 12, is going viral online. However, official confirmation of the posting is awaited.
