CHENNAI – In a move aimed at reclaiming public spaces, Tamil Nadu’s new Chief Minister and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leader, C. Joseph Vijay, has issued a strict directive to party workers to cease the installation of banners and posters in public areas.
The party headquarters announced via X (formerly Twitter) that strict action will be taken against any “comrades” who cause public or traffic hindrance through “banners, celebrations, or anything of the sort,” specifically during birthdays or family events.
Reforming Political Culture
The diktat is being viewed as a significant departure from the state’s traditional political culture, which is often characterized by larger-than-life cutouts and extensive branding. “Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam was founded with the sole aim of the welfare of the people of Tamil Nadu,” the party statement read, urging members to respect the responsibility entrusted to them by the public.
Immediate Policy Actions
The poster ban follows a series of high-impact decisions made during the Chief Minister’s first days in office:
-
Liquor Shop Shutdown: Vijay ordered the closure of 717 state-run TASMAC shops located within 500 meters of schools, places of worship, or bus stands. The government aims to complete these closures within two weeks.
-
Targeting Proximity: Out of the 4,765 shops currently operating, the administration identified 276 near places of worship and 186 near educational institutions as priorities for shutdown.
Upcoming Trust Vote
While the TVK secured a historic 108 seats in its debut—breaking a 62-year duopoly of the DMK and AIADMK—the government currently relies on a coalition with the Congress, Left parties, and the VCK to cross the 118-seat majority mark.
Chief Minister Vijay is expected to face a crucial trust vote in the assembly later this week, likely on Thursday, to solidify his mandate. The “no-banner” policy and liquor shop closures are seen by analysts as early efforts to build public goodwill and demonstrate a “real change” in governance style ahead of the vote.
