An advertisement displayed inside a Chennai Metro coach has triggered a major controversy, with a DMK MP alleging that its messaging was disrespectful to women and portrayed them as objects.
In a post on X, DMK MP Thamizhachi Thangapandian shared a photograph of the advertisement and called for action against those who had approved it. She also urged the authorities to remove the ad immediately.
The advertisement belongs to a cooperative credit society called THECOS. It promotes better interest rates on fixed deposits, but includes the line that a “girlfriend may give 0 per cent interest.”
Thangapandian strongly objected to the wording.
“An advertisement displayed inside the Chennai Metro Rail that degrades women and portrays them as objects is shocking. It is essential to ensure that advertisements in public places respect the dignity of women,” she said.
She also questioned how the Chennai Metro Rail administration had allowed such an advertisement to be displayed.
“I request that this advertisement be removed immediately and appropriate action be taken to prevent such advertisements from appearing in the future,” she said.
The DMK MP pointed out that lakhs of people use the Chennai Metro every day and argued that such messaging could have a wider impact on the public.
AIADMK spokesperson Kovai Sathyan also demanded legal action against those responsible for creating the advertisement.
“I am at a loss for words after looking at the content. Just because an advertisement gives you freedom of expression does not mean you can demean someone based on gender,” he said.
Sathyan added that a brand cannot justify disrespectful messaging simply to attract attention.
“Getting eyeballs does not give anyone the right to demean somebody. Using derogatory messages about a gender or another person is not acceptable,” he said.
The entity that placed the advertisement is also known as the Thiruvalluvar Transport Corporation Employees’ Co-operative Credit Society Ltd (TTCECS). It describes itself as a financial institution serving the economic needs of transport employees across Tamil Nadu.
