Kamal Haasan congratulated the Tamil Nadu government on Wednesday after Chief Minister Vijay and his TVK party won a trust vote in the assembly [1].
The victory solidifies the governing majority for the new administration, signaling a shift in the state's political landscape under the leadership of the former actor.
Haasan, who serves as a Member of Parliament, specifically highlighted the government's decision to shut down 717 liquor shops [1]. He said the move was a welcome step for the region, framing the policy as a positive development for public welfare.
"My congratulations to the new government (Tamil Nadu) ... The closure of 717 liquor shops is a welcome move," Haasan said [1].
The trust vote took place on May 13, 2026, in Chennai at the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly [1]. The proceedings confirmed that the TVK party maintains the necessary support to lead the state government.
Beyond the specific policy of liquor shop closures, Haasan spoke about the transition of Chief Minister Vijay from the film industry to the political arena. He said that the public and the political establishment should recognize the leader's capabilities outside of his previous professional identity.
"He should be viewed beyond his film career," Haasan said [1].
The endorsement comes at a time when the new government is seeking to establish its legislative priorities and implement core campaign promises, including the reduction of alcohol availability, across the state.
“The closure of 717 liquor shops is a welcome move.”
The public support from Kamal Haasan, a veteran political figure and MP, provides significant moral and political legitimacy to Chief Minister Vijay's early tenure. By focusing on the closure of liquor shops, Haasan is aligning himself with a populist, social-reformist agenda that may appeal to a broad demographic in Tamil Nadu, while simultaneously urging the public to accept the 'actor-turned-politician' as a serious statesman.
