Chennai, May 12: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on Tuesday met with leaders of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) in Chennai, following the party's extension of unconditional support to the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) to form the state government. Vijay met IUML chief K.M. Kader Mohideen and received felicitations from him.

The IUML’s support brings TVK’s backing to a total of 13 MLAs, strengthening the party’s legislative base. With the inclusion of Congress, CPI, CPI(M), VCK, and IUML, TVK now has the support of 121 MLAs. Congress contributes five MLAs, while CPI, CPI(M), VCK, and IUML have two MLAs each.

In a move aimed at public welfare, Chief Minister Vijay also announced the closure of 717 government-run TASMAC liquor outlets located within 500 meters of places of worship, educational institutions, and bus stations across the state. The closure is to be implemented within two weeks. A survey of existing TASMAC shops was ordered earlier to identify outlets in these sensitive areas.

On Monday, Vijay met with former Chief Minister and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) president M.K. Stalin at his Chennai residence. He also interacted with former Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin. These meetings marked Vijay’s first engagement with senior DMK leaders after assuming office.

Vijay, who was sworn in as Tamil Nadu’s 13th Chief Minister at a grand ceremony at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium yesterday, resigned from his Tiruchirapalli East MLA seat while retaining his Perambur constituency. He also visited Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) Chief Coordinator Senthamizhan Seeman, presenting him with a golden shawl and a bouquet, in a gesture of mutual respect.

The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam secured a major victory in the recent Assembly elections, emerging as the single-largest party with 108 seats. Although short of the majority mark of 118, support from Congress, VCK, Left parties, and IUML enabled Vijay to form the government in Tamil Nadu.