"People were agitated; Vijay has done it, we appreciate it": IUML chief on closure of 717 liquor shops near sensitive areas

Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], May 12 : Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) President KM Kader Mohideen on Tuesday praised Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay for ordering the closure of liquor retail outlets located near schools, colleges, religious places and bus stands, saying people had long been "agitated" over the issue and that the move was widely appreciated.

Speaking toabout the closure of liquor retail outlets, Mohideen said people had been agitated over the presence of liquor outlets in such areas for several years and said that the move addressed a long-pending public concern.

"People were agitated because of the presence of these outlets, but for all these years, they were not removed. Vijay has done it, we appreciate it," the IUML chief said.

Mohideen also lauded Vijay's outreach to political parties across the spectrum, describing his approach as civilised and inclusive. "Vijay has visited the offices of all political parties. Of those who extended their support to him and even those who have not...he has maintained a civilised attitude towards all," he said.

The remarks come amid newly appointed Tamil Nadu chief minister Vijay's continued political engagements in the state and his efforts to build ties with leaders from different political parties.

Newly elected Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay today ordered the closure of 717 government-run TASMAC liquor retail outlets located within a 500-metre radius of places of worship, educational institutions, and bus stations in the State, within two weeks, in the interest of public welfare.

After assuming the office of CM, Vijay ordered a survey of TASMAC liquor shops to identify the ones operating near places of worship, educational institutions, and bus stands.

Although TASMAC liquor shops make up for high revenue for the Tamil Nadu government, there have been calls across party lines to close several of these retail outlets.

The TASMAC has also come under the probe by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). Last year, the probe agency had conducted raids at multiple premises across Tamil Nadu in connection with alleged offences related to Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation Limited (TASMAC) and associated entities under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), in its earlier 2026 assembly election manifesto, promised a drug-free Tamil Nadu.

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