In a developing story from Tamil Nadu, BJP’s Tamil Nadu chief, K Annamalai, issued an apology on social media Friday for sharing a video that captured a private conversation between Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and businessman Srinivasan. The video, which showed an exchange at a business forum in Coimbatore, sparked controversy and led to significant political backlash.
The video in question depicted Srinivasan, owner of the popular Sri Annapoorna restaurant chain, making remarks about the Goods and Services Tax (GST) during a discussion with Sitharaman. Srinivasan humorously criticized the disparity in GST rates across different food categories, highlighting the confusion and practical difficulties faced by businesses due to varying tax rates. His comments, which included a jest about customers managing their own cream fillings to avoid taxes, were met with a smile from Sitharaman, who acknowledged the issue but noted that GST rates are standardized nationwide rather than state-by-state.
However, the release of a second video showing Srinivasan apologizing for his remarks added fuel to the controversy. In this follow-up video, Srinivasan, who was captured with his back to the camera, appeared to express regret for his comments and emphasized his non-affiliation with any political party. The authenticity of this video remains unverified.
The apology from Annamalai, posted on X (formerly Twitter), described the sharing of the video as an “unintended breach of privacy.” He extended his “sincere apologies” to Srinivasan, whom he praised as a significant contributor to Tamil Nadu’s economic growth. Annamalai urged the public to respect the matter and move on.
The incident has drawn sharp criticism from opposition leaders, particularly the Congress party. Senior Congress figures Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi condemned the treatment of Srinivasan’s request for GST reform, accusing Sitharaman of arrogance and disrespect. Gandhi’s remarks on X highlighted the perceived insensitivity towards small business owners and their concerns regarding tax regulations.
The controversy underscores ongoing debates over GST policies and their impact on businesses, with the latest development adding a political dimension to the discussion. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how it will influence public opinion and political dynamics in Tamil Nadu.
Sources By Agencies
