Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Friday slammed the Government over a video in which a restaurant chain owner is purportedly “apologising” to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for voicing concerns about GST, and said that when “fragile egos” of those in power are hurt, it seems humiliation is what they will deliver.  The opposition party also demanded an apology from the finance minister over the issue.

Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai said on behalf of the party’s state unit, he sincerely apologises for the actions of “our functionaries who shared a private conversation between a respected business owner and the finance 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 said.

‘Two videos were being shared by several Congress leaders and in one of them at an event on September 11, Sree Annapoorna chain of restaurants owner Srinivasan is seen purportedly highlighting concerns over varying GST rates. In the second video, Srinivasan was seen purportedly apologising in person to the Finance Minister.

‘Rahul Gandhi said if this “arrogant Government” would listen to the people they would understand that a simplified GST would solve the problems of lakhs of businesses.

‘In a social media post, Rahul Gandhi said when the owner of a small business, like Annapoorna restaurant in Coimbatore, asks public servants for a simplified GST regime, his request is met with “arrogance and outright disrespect”.