BJP expels Tamil Nadu functionary over leak of businessman’s apology video

A BJP functionary in Tamil Nadu was expelled from the party following the leak of a video showing a businessman apologising to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, which went viral this week, sparking controversy.
BJP’s Singanallur Zonal President, Satish, was expelled for anti-party activities a day after the party’s Tamil Nadu unit chief apologised for the video.
Two videos surfaced recently, one of which shows the owner of the Annapoorna chain of restaurants, Srinivasan, purportedly voicing concerns over varying GST rates. In the second video, Srinivasan is seen allegedly apologising to the Finance Minister.
The Congress and DMK, who widely shared the video, criticised the BJP, calling it an act of “arrogance” and claiming that Srinivasan was forced to apologise.
Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, slammed the government, alleging that when a business owner asks for a simplified GST regime, his request is met with “arrogance and outright disrespect.”
On Friday, Tamil Nadu BJP chief K. Annamalai apologised for the actions of his party members in sharing on social media a video of a private conversation between the hotel chain owner and the minister.
“I spoke with Thiru Srinivasan Avl, the esteemed owner of the Annapoorna chain of Restaurants, to express regret for this unintended breach of privacy. Annapoorna Srinivasan Anna is a pillar of Tamil Nadu’s business community, contributing significantly to the state’s and nation’s economic growth. I request everyone to lay the matter to rest with due respect,” Annamalai tweeted.
Speaking at an event attended by Sitharaman on September 12 in Coimbatore, Srinivasan pointed out issues with the GST regime. He said, “The problem is that GST is applied differently to each item. For instance, there is no GST on a bun. But if you apply cream on it, the GST becomes 18 percent”.
He further added that due to this, customers, especially families, ask for buns and cream separately, saying they will apply the cream themselves to save money.
The businessman also highlighted the varied GST rates for sweets and snacks, urging the minister to implement a uniform GST.
Sitharaman assured him that she would consider the issue. Speaking to reporters later, she stated that he had raised a matter that should be considered by the GST council.