MK Stalin Criticizes Nirmala Sitharaman for ‘Shameful’ Response to Businessman's GST Concerns

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin criticized Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for her response to a businessman’s concerns over GST. The businessman, D Srinivasan, had raised the complexity of GST rates, and after the interaction, a video of his apology went viral. The DMK accused the BJP of coercing the businessman, while the BJP apologized for sharing the video. Srinivasan's comments emphasized the need for a simplified GST structure.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin and the DMK party criticized Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for her ‘shameful’ handling of a Coimbatore-based businessman's concerns over the Goods and Services Tax (GST). The businessman, D Srinivasan, owner of Sri Annapoorna restaurant, raised the issue of complex GST rates during an event in Coimbatore, which led to a controversial interaction with the minister.

Stalin remarked that the businessman had made fair demands regarding the GST, and the way the minister responded was shameful. DMK spokesperson TKS Elangovan alleged that Srinivasan was coerced into apologizing after a video of him with folded hands went viral on social media.

The BJP’s Tamil Nadu unit initially posted the video but later deleted it, apologizing for sharing the footage from a private meeting.

Srinivasan’s concerns highlighted the complications of GST, especially the disparity in tax rates for different food items, and called for a simplified, uniform tax structure.