Video of restaurateur's private conversation with Sitharaman leaked; BJP apologizes
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader K Annamalai has apologized on behalf of the party after it leaked a video of Sri Annapoorna restaurant chain owner Srinivasan apologizing to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. The BJP had released the footage, which was recorded during a private conversation following a public event in Coimbatore, where Srinivasan voiced concerns about the Goods and Services Tax (GST) complexities on food items. "I spoke with..Srinivasan..to express regret for this unintended breach of privacy," Annamalai said.
Restaurant owner's public concerns over GST complexities
During the meeting, Srinivasan, who is also the chairperson of the Tamil Nadu Hotel Owners Federation, highlighted challenges faced by restaurant owners due to varying GST rates on food items. He pointed out that cream-filled buns are taxed at 18% while there is no GST on plain buns. "Customers often complain, saying 'Just give me the bun, I will add the cream and jam myself,'" Srinivasan said humorously.
Political backlash follows leaked apology video
After the videos were leaked, the Congress and the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) criticized the BJP for what they perceive as "arrogance and outright disrespect" toward Srinivasan. "When the owner of a small business, like Annapoorna restaurant in Coimbatore, asks our public servants for a simplified GST regime, his request is met with arrogance and outright disrespect. Yet, when a billionaire friend seeks to bend the rules..or acquire national assets, Modi Ji rolls out the red carpet," said Rahul Gandhi.
BJP becoming extremely intolerant to criticism, says Congress
Sitharaman and Srinivasan deny forced apology allegations
The DMK also accused Sitharaman of forcing Srinivasan to apologize, a claim that was later denied by both Sitharaman and Srinivasan in separate statements. In a statement, Sitharaman said, "I did not force him to apologize. He came to me and apologized." Similarly, Srinivasan clarified that he voluntarily apologized to the finance minister for his remarks about GST rates on food items. He added that he did not intend to hurt anyone's feelings with his comments during the meeting.
