A controversial advertisement displayed inside a Chennai Metro coach has triggered a political row after a DMK MP accused the campaign of degrading women and portraying them as objects.
The advertisement, promoting fixed deposit schemes offered by a cooperative credit society, carried the message: "Girlfriend may give 0% interest, but our FD gives 14.40%." The campaign was issued by the Thiruvalluvar Transport Corporation Employees' Co-operative Credit Society (THECOS).
DMK MP Thamizhachi Thangapandian flagged the advertisement on X and questioned how such messaging was allowed inside Chennai Metro trains, which are used by lakhs of commuters.
Calling the advertisement "shocking", Thangapandian said public-space advertising should take into account the dignity of women. She demanded that the advertisement be removed immediately and called for appropriate action to ensure similar advertisements do not appear in the future.
The MP also argued that advertisements displayed in public transport can influence a large number of people and therefore need to meet appropriate standards.
The controversy also drew criticism from AIADMK spokesperson Kovai Sathyan, who called for legal action against those responsible for the advertisement. He argued that freedom of expression does not give advertisers the right to demean people based on gender.
The advertisement has since triggered a wider debate on the use of provocative and gender-based messaging in advertising, particularly in public spaces.
Chennai Metro Rail has not publicly responded to the controversy so far. Chennai Metro trains are operated by Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL), a joint venture between the Centre and the Tamil Nadu government.
