TN: Kamal Haasan gifts car to 'sacked' woman bus driver
What's the story
Actor-politician Kamal Haasan on Monday gifted a car to Sharmila, the first woman bus driver in Tamil Nadu's Coimbatore, days after she was forced to resign over a controversy surrounding issuing a travel ticket to the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam's (DMK) MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi.
Haasan gave her the vehicle on behalf of his organization, Kamal Panbattu Maiam, to enable her to become a driver-entrepreneur.
Context
Why does this story matter?
Sharmila was forced to resign on Friday due to a controversy over the issuance of a bus ticket to Kanimozhi, who opted to travel in the vehicle driven by the youngster.
Sharmila claimed a conductor "disrespected" Kanimozhi, leading to her resignation from her "dream job."
Kanimozhi was also accused of a publicity stunt by inviting prominent personalities to travel on the bus.
Statement
Sharmila shouldn't remain driver, but become entrepreneur: Haasan
Reacting to the recent controversy, Haasan said, "I was anguished over the recent debate surrounding Sharmila, who was a very good example to women of her age."
"Sharmila should not remain a mere driver. My belief is to create many Sharmilas," the Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) chief said.
He further said that Sharmila would use the car for rental service and become an entrepreneur.
Twitter Post
Watch: Haasan presents car keys to sacked bus driver
Coimbatore's first woman bus driver #Sharmila who quit her job after a controversy erupted over issuing a ticket to DMK MP Kanimozhi, has been gifted with a brand new car by MNM leader #KamalHaasan 👌 nice gesture! pic.twitter.com/vJxRlHH0Ie
— Siddarth Srinivas (@sidhuwrites) June 26, 2023
Information
Transport firm accuses Sharmila of seeking publicity
Soon after the controversy, the transport firm in Coimbatore for whom Sharminal worked claimed they weren't aware of Kanimozhi's proposed travel plan. It also insisted Sharmila had left on her own accord. However, Sharmila claimed she had already intimated the management about the proposed visit.