C Joseph Vijay has ordered the closure of 717 government-run TASMAC liquor outlets located within a 500-metre radius of:

• religious places
• educational institutions
• and bus stations across Tamil Nadu.

The directive was issued on Tuesday, with authorities instructed to complete the closures within the next two weeks.

The move is being seen as one of the strongest liquor-control decisions taken by the newly formed Tamil Nadu government.

Why the TASMAC Shops Are Being Closed

According to officials, the decision aims to:

• reduce public nuisance near sensitive areas
• improve safety around schools and colleges
• address concerns raised by local residents and social groups
• strengthen regulation of alcohol accessibility.

The affected outlets belong to:
Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation, commonly known as TASMAC.

TASMAC controls the retail sale of liquor across Tamil Nadu through state-operated shops.

Focus on Women’s Safety and Anti-Drug Measures

The liquor-shop closure order comes shortly after CM Vijay announced the creation of the:

“Singa Pen Sirappu Anti-Drug Force”

The special force has been established to:

• improve women’s safety
• crack down on drug networks
• prevent substance abuse among youth
• and strengthen action against sexual crimes.

Following the Chief Minister’s directive, the Tamil Nadu Police formally constituted the unit.

What Will the New Anti-Drug Force Do?

The newly formed force has been assigned several responsibilities, including:

1. Action Against Drug Mafia

The unit will target illegal drug networks and suppliers operating across the state.

2. Women’s Safety Monitoring

Special teams will respond quickly to complaints involving:

• harassment
• abuse
• stalking
• and crimes against women.

3. Awareness Campaigns

Officials will conduct programmes in:

• schools
• colleges
• public spaces

to spread awareness regarding:

• women’s safety
• drug abuse
• and public vigilance.

Women Police Personnel Given Key Role

A major highlight of the initiative is the increased deployment of women police officers.

According to officials:

• women personnel will receive special operational powers
• dedicated teams will handle sensitive complaints
• and rapid response systems will be strengthened statewide.

Political Significance of the Move

The decision aligns with several promises made by C Joseph Vijay during the election campaign, particularly regarding:

• public safety
• anti-drug enforcement
• youth protection
• and social reform measures.

The closure of liquor shops near schools and religious places has long been demanded by:

• parents’ associations
• religious organisations
• and anti-liquor activists in Tamil Nadu.

Possible Impact Across Tamil Nadu

The move could significantly affect:

• alcohol retail accessibility in urban areas
• pedestrian safety near schools and bus depots
• local traffic congestion around TASMAC shops
• and public order concerns.

C. Joseph Vijay officially began his tenure as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu with a strong focus on women’s safety, anti-drug enforcement, and welfare measures.

Immediately after taking oath on May 10, 2026, Vijay signed his first government orders, including the creation of the “Singa Pen Special Action Force” and separate anti-narcotics units across the state.

What is the “Singa Pen Sirappu Force”?

The new force is a special women’s protection unit designed to:

• Respond quickly to complaints involving women’s safety
• Prevent sexual crimes
• Monitor harassment and violence cases
• Conduct anti-drug operations targeting youth networks
• Improve public confidence in policing

The force will mainly include women police officers with special operational authority.

Meaning of “Singa Pen”

In Tamil:

• “Singa Pen” means Lioness
• It symbolizes bravery, courage, and protection

Some early reports incorrectly mixed the words “Sirappu” and “Sirumbu.”
Actually:

• “Sirappu” means special
• So the proper meaning is essentially:
  “Lioness Special Force”

The Tamil Nadu government says the name reflects a force that may appear limited in size initially but will act powerfully against offenders.

Main Responsibilities of the Force

According to government releases and media reports, the force will:

1. Women’s Safety

• Fast response to complaints
• Monitoring crimes against women
• Coordinated statewide policing

2. Anti-Drug Operations

• Protect students and youth from narcotics
• Crack down on drug mafias
• Work alongside anti-narcotic task forces

3. Awareness Campaigns

The unit will conduct:

• School awareness programs
• College campaigns
• Public outreach events
• Self-protection awareness drives

Statewide Deployment

CM Vijay ordered the force to be created in every district of Tamil Nadu.

Additionally:

• 65 Anti-Narcotic Task Force units are being formed
• One unit will operate in each district
• Extra units will work in major city police commissionerates

The Tamil Nadu Police and Director General of Police (DGP) have already started implementation procedures.

Vijay’s First-Day Decisions as CM

Apart from the Singa Pen Force, Vijay announced:

Free Electricity Scheme

• 200 units of free electricity
• For households consuming up to 500 units in a two-month cycle

Anti-Narcotics Expansion

• Dedicated anti-drug enforcement teams
• Focus on organized narcotics supply chains

Governance Promises

Vijay promised:

• corruption-free governance
• transparency
• strict law enforcement
• “real secularism and social justice”

Political Background

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), led by Vijay, emerged as the leading force in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly election.

TVK reportedly won 108 seats and later secured support from:

• Congress
• Left parties
• VCK
• IUML

This helped Vijay cross the majority mark and form the government.

Public Reaction

Public response has been mixed:

Supporters say:

• Women-focused policing is needed
• Drug abuse among youth is becoming serious
• Vijay acted quickly after assuming office

Critics say:

• Similar “Pink Patrol” and women patrol systems existed earlier
• Existing anti-drug wings already functioned under previous governments
• The challenge will be implementation, not announcements

Tamil Nadu social media discussions show cautious optimism but also skepticism regarding execution and long-term effectiveness.

Why This Move is Important

Political analysts say Vijay’s first announcements are meant to send three strong messages:

1. Law and order will be a priority
2. Women’s security will receive direct attention
3. Drug trafficking will be treated as a major social threat

The announcements are also seen as an attempt to establish Vijay’s identity as an administrator rather than only a film star turned politician.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday held a telephonic conversation with newly sworn-in Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay and congratulated him on assuming office.

The call came shortly after Vijay officially took oath as the ninth Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, marking a major political milestone for the actor-turned-politician and his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam.

During the interaction, Prime Minister Modi wished Vijay success in his new role and assured continued cooperation between the Centre and the Tamil Nadu government for the welfare and development of the state.

PM Modi Extends Greetings Publicly

Before the phone conversation, PM Modi had also congratulated Vijay publicly through a post on social media platform X.

In his message, the Prime Minister said:

The message signalled the Centre’s willingness to maintain collaborative relations with the newly formed Tamil Nadu government despite political differences.

Vijay Takes Oath as Tamil Nadu’s 9th Chief Minister

Vijay’s swearing-in ceremony took place earlier in the day in Chennai after Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam emerged as the single-largest party in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

The actor-politician’s rise marks one of the biggest political shifts in the state in recent decades, ending the long-standing dominance of the two major Dravidian parties.

Along with Vijay, nine senior leaders from TVK were also sworn in as cabinet ministers.

Ministers Inducted Into the New Cabinet:

• N Anand
• Aadhav Arjuna
• KA Sengottaiyan
• K G Arunraj
• P Venkataramanan
• R Nirmalkumar
• Rajmohan
• T K Prabhu
• S Keerthana

Major Welfare Announcements After Taking Charge

Soon after assuming office, Chief Minister Vijay announced several welfare and law enforcement initiatives aimed at addressing public concerns and fulfilling key election promises.

Key Announcements Include:

• 200 units of free electricity for domestic consumers
• Formation of a Special Task Force against narcotics and drug abuse
• Establishment of a Women’s Protection Force to strengthen women’s safety and security

The free electricity scheme is expected to benefit middle-class and lower-income households across Tamil Nadu.

A Major Political Shift in Tamil Nadu

The 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections produced a dramatic political realignment.

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam secured 108 seats in the 234-member Assembly, emerging as the largest party.

Although short of a clear majority, TVK formed the government with support from:

• Indian National Congress
• Communist Party of India
• Communist Party of India (Marxist)
• Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi
• Indian Union Muslim League

Political observers believe Vijay’s entry into governance could significantly reshape Tamil Nadu politics in the coming years.

A New Chapter for Tamil Nadu Politics

Vijay’s transition from cinema superstar to Chief Minister has drawn national attention, with supporters describing it as the beginning of a new political era in Tamil Nadu.

The coming months will now test how the first-time Chief Minister balances:

• governance
• welfare delivery
• coalition management
• public expectations