No Mercy for Hindus Oppressing Muslims: Vijay Thalapathy

Upon assuming office as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Joseph Vijay, popularly known as "Thalapathy" Vijay, has taken a staunch position on protecting civil rights and maintaining social order. As part of this stance, he issued a stern warning to the Hindu majority regarding the safety of the Muslim community.

On Tuesday morning (May 12), he stated clearly that if any Hindu oppresses a Muslim in his state, the consequences will serve as a historic global example.

"No matter which religion the offender belongs to, not a single person will be spared," Vijay Thalapathy warned.

According to the newly elected Chief Minister, equal rights for all citizens are paramount, and protecting them is the government's primary responsibility. Alongside maintaining communal harmony, his first major executive decision involves ordering the closure of over 700 liquor shops across the state.

Per the Chief Minister’s directive, 717 liquor outlets operated by the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC) will be shut down immediately. These shops were primarily located near temples, mosques, churches, educational institutions, and bus stands.

Government records indicate there are currently 4,765 TASMAC shops in the state. Vijay has mandated that no liquor shop can operate within 50 meters of any religious site, school, college, or crowded bus terminal. Among the shops slated for closure, 276 are near religious institutions, 186 near schools, and 255 near bus stands.

The 51-year-old actor-turned-politician was sworn in as Chief Minister last Sunday. His political party, TVK (Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam), achieved a historic victory, breaking the long-standing bipartisan dominance of the DMK and AIADMK.

Leading the first coalition government in Tamil Nadu's history, Vijay holds the support of various parties including the Congress, Leftists, and the Muslim League. Since taking power, he has prioritized social reform, with the mass closure of liquor shops viewed as a bold step in that direction.

Since taking office, Vijay has approved several welfare initiatives, including the provision of 200 units of free electricity and the formation of a special task force for women’s safety. He has also planned special anti-drug units in every district.

However, analysts warn that the liquor shop closures may significantly impact state revenue, potentially affecting the funding of these welfare projects.

Despite these concerns, political circles are buzzing over Vijay's announcement to release a "White Paper" regarding the state's economy during the previous DMK administration.