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CM Vijay's maiden Tamil Nadu Assembly speech as Speaker Prabhakar takes charge; TASMAC closure order issued
On May 12, 2026, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay delivered his maiden speech in the Assembly. The session saw J.C.D. Prabhakar unanimously elected Speaker and Ravishankar elected Deputy Speaker unopposed. Earlier in the day, a government release ordered closure of 717 TASMAC liquor shops within 500 metres of educational institutions, places of worship, or bus terminals, to be completed within two weeks.
Why It Matters
The events mark the ascent of a new chief minister and the functioning of a new Assembly leadership, alongside a notable policy move restricting liquor outlets near sensitive zones.
Timeline
4 Events
CM Vijay delivers maiden speech in the Assembly
May 12, 2026
When invited by Speaker Prabhakar to speak, Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay delivered his maiden address to the Assembly. He underscored the administration’s commitment to social equity, opening with a Lincoln quote that ‘everyone is equal,’ congratulated Speaker Prabhakar, and outlined governance priorities including social equity, governance, welfare, youth development, and transparency, while urging cooperation across party lines.
Deputy Speaker elected unopposed
May 12, 2026
Immediately after assuming the Speaker's position, Prabhakar conducted the election for Deputy Speaker, in which Ravishankar was elected unopposed.
J.C.D. Prabhakar unanimously elected Speaker of Tamil Nadu Assembly
May 12, 2026
TVK legislator J.C.D. Prabhakar was unanimously elected as the Speaker as the Assembly proceedings began.
Closure order for 717 TASMAC shops issued
May 12, 2026
CM Vijay, through an official release, ordered the closure of 717 state-run TASMAC liquor shops located within 500 metres of educational institutions, places of worship, or bus terminals across Tamil Nadu, to be completed within two weeks. The release notes 276 shops near places of worship, 186 near educational institutions, and 255 near bus terminals. TASMAC operates 4,765 retail outlets in the state.