Kamal Haasan praises CM Vijay's move to shut liquor shops near temples and schools
Kamal Haasan praised Tamil Nadu CM Vijay's first major decision after taking office, and the move is already drawing political attention across the state.
Kamal Haasan (L), Joseph Vijay (R) (Photo: Instagram)
New Delhi,UPDATED: May 12, 2026 19:21 IST
Actor-politician Kamal Haasan has publicly supported Vijay after the newly sworn-in Tamil Nadu Chief Minister ordered the closure of 717 liquor shops located within 500 metres of temples, schools and bus stands across the state. Vijay took oath as Chief Minister on Sunday following his party’s major electoral victory.
Reacting to the decision on X, Kamal Haasan referred to Vijay as “Brother Vijay” and said the move addressed a long-standing demand from Tamil families. He also called for the government to move further towards regulating alcohol instead of depending on liquor sales for revenue.
Take a look at the post:
What did Kamal Haasan say about Vijay’s liquor ban move?
In his post, Kamal Haasan said, “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, has taken this action immediately upon assuming office.”
He further stated that liquor sales should not function as a responsibility of the government and added that the closure of 717 shops was only a beginning. “This number must be increased. This action must be continued. Congratulations,” he wrote.
Why is Vijay’s decision significant?
The order marks Vijay’s first major administrative decision after becoming Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. The move has already drawn political and public attention, particularly because liquor regulation has long remained a sensitive issue in the state.
Actor Vishal, who shares a close friendship with Vijay, also praised the decision on social media soon after the announcement.
Vijay came to power after a landslide win
Vijay’s rise marks a major political breakthrough for his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), which emerged as the single largest party in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly after winning 108 seats.
The Assembly election witnessed a three-cornered contest involving the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam led by M K Stalin, the AIADMK-BJP alliance and Vijay’s newly formed party.
With support now coming from figures like Kamal Haasan and Vishal, attention has shifted towards Vijay’s early policy decisions as Chief Minister.
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