A video of Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is going viral on social media. Actually, Nirmala Sitharaman had reached Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu to attend an MSME meeting. During this, Srinivasan, Managing Director of restaurant chain Sri Annapurna Hotel, put forth the complexities of GST (Goods and Services Tax) in front of the Finance Minister. After these questions, Srinivasan had to apologize to Nirmala Sitharaman.
The Congress and the DMK have criticised the saffron party for publicly disrespecting Sri Annapurna restaurant owner Srinivasan. Amid the continued criticism, Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai has apologised for sharing a video of a private conversation.
Annamalai’s apology post
Annamalai posted on Twitter, ‘On behalf of BJP Tamil Nadu, I sincerely apologise for the act of our functionaries who shared a private conversation between a respected businessman and our honourable finance minister. I have spoken to Thiru Srinivasan Aval, the respected owner of the Annapurna restaurant chain, to express my regret for this unintentional breach of privacy. Annapurna Srinivasan Anna is a key pillar of Tamil Nadu’s business house, which is contributing significantly to the economic growth of the state and the country. I request everyone to end this matter with due respect.’
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Rahul said attack
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi posted on Instagram, ‘When small business owners like Annapurna Restaurant in Coimbatore demand a simplified GST system from our government employees, they are disrespected. On the other hand, when a billionaire friend breaks the rules, flouts the law or wants to acquire national property, Modi ji rolls out the red carpet.’
Rahul further said, ‘Our small business owners have already suffered demonetisation, complex banking systems, tax collections and the devastating GST attacks. The last thing they want is more humiliation. But when the fragile egos of those in power are hurt, it seems humiliation is the only thing they will give.’
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said it was unfortunate that a local entrepreneur, Srinivasan, was ridiculed for raising concerns over the complexities of GST rates in Coimbatore. The incident was a display of the Finance Minister’s arrogance.
The video of the conversation went viral
In fact, the controversy erupted after the Tamil Nadu unit of the BJP posted a video of Sri Annapurna Hotel owner Srinivasan apologizing to the Union Minister during a private conversation after the event. During a meeting with Nirmala Sitharaman, the chairman of Sri Annapurna, a popular restaurant chain in Tamil Nadu, had outlined the challenges faced by restaurant owners due to different GST rates on food items.
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He highlighted that cream-filled buns are taxed at 18%, while there is no GST on ordinary buns. “Sweets are taxed at 5% GST, but savoury ones are taxed at 12%. Cream-filled buns are taxed at 18% GST, while there is no GST on ordinary buns. Customers often complain, saying just give me the bun, I will add cream and jam myself,” Srinivasan said.
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