A controversy has erupted in Tamil Nadu after a video was leaked of Sri Annapoorna restaurant owner Srinivasan apologizing to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman during a private conversation. The video, shared by the BJP’s Tamil Nadu unit, has sparked widespread criticism from opposition parties, including the Congress and DMK, who condemned the BJP for its “arrogance and disrespect.”
The incident occurred during a meeting where Srinivasan, also the chairperson of the Tamil Nadu Hotel Owners Federation, raised concerns about the complexities of GST on food items. His remarks, which highlighted the challenges faced by restaurateurs, were met with a smile from the Finance Minister. However, a private apology by Srinivasan to Sitharaman was later leaked, leading to public outrage.
In response to the backlash, Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai issued an apology for the “unintended breach of privacy.” He expressed regret for the actions of the party’s functionaries who shared the video, stating that he had personally spoken with Srinivasan to convey his apologies.
“Annapoorna Srinivasan Anna is a pillar of Tamil Nadu’s business community, contributing significantly to the state’s and nation’s economic growth,” Annamalai said.
The incident has intensified criticism of the GST regime and provided opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, with a platform to call for a simplified tax structure.
