'Hats Off': Kamal Haasan, Vishal Praise CM Vijay’s Decision To Close Liquor Shops Near Schools And Temples

Last Updated:May 12, 2026, 15:07 IST

Kamal Haasan and Vishal praised CM C. Joseph Vijay after he ordered the closure of over 700 liquor shops near schools and worship places.

Tamil Nadu’s newly sworn-in Chief Minister, C. Joseph Vijay, has taken a major decision just days after the ceremony, ordering the closure of over 700 liquor shops near educational institutions and temples in the state and directing officials to execute the order within two weeks. Liquor sales are one of the government’s key revenue generators in the state, yet such a major decision has caught eyeballs, with actors Kamal Haasan and Vishal showing support for Vijay’s move.

Kamal Haasan took to his X account and, while lauding Vijay, wrote, “Even as the expectation of Tamil families was that liquor retail shops near places of worship, educational institutions, and bus stands should be removed, Hon’ble Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, Brother Vijay @TVKVijayHQ has taken this action immediately upon assuming office. Liquor sales should never be a function of the government; the government must take responsibility for regulating the flow of alcohol. The Tamil Nadu government must move towards this position. Today, it has begun by closing 717 liquor shops. This number must be increased. This action must be continued. Congratulations."

Actor Vishal, while saluting the decision taken by Vijay, wrote, “Kudos to you, whistles to you. Hats off to you, dear CM Joseph Vijay Avargal. Thank you for the announcement to close 717 wine shops, especially the ones near schools. What a move. So many girl children have been facing harassment, especially the one I know in RK Nagar, where a girl student was complaining of having to go through the stress of crossing the TASMAC store and reaching home every day. She and so many of the common public will hail you and your decision. With a smile on so many faces, including mine, this decision of our CM will be everlasting in saving us from this menace. God bless you, dearest #Vijay. #ThalapathyVijay #CMJosephVijay. I salute you and your government today."

Vijay’s Historic Political Win

Vijay, officially known as C. Joseph Vijay, was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu on May 10, 2026. The ceremony at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium marked a major political shift in the state. Leading his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), Vijay emerged as the single largest force in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections with 108 seats.

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