Stalin Slams Sitharaman Over Restaurant Owner Apology Row

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin criticized Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman after the owner of a Coimbatore-based restaurant chain apologized for his remarks on GST rates. The incident, which has drawn widespread criticism from various political leaders, highlights the ongoing debate over the country's tax structure.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has sharply criticized Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman following a controversy where the owner of a prominent restaurant chain in Coimbatore publicly apologized to her for comments on Goods and Services Tax (GST). Stalin labeled the minister's handling of the situation as 'shameful.'

During an event in Coimbatore, the owner of Sri Annapoorna restaurant humorously noted the varying GST rates on food items, pointing out how a plain bun is tax-free but adding cream makes it a 12% GST item. The joke, which drew laughter from the audience, later led to the owner apologizing in a video circulated on social media by Tamil Nadu's BJP unit. This incident has attracted criticism from the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the Congress party.

Chief Minister Stalin and other political figures, including Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, have condemned the Union government's response. They argue that the government's approach to GST and its treatment of small business owners amount to disrespect and tax terrorism. BJP leader K Annamalai has since apologized for making the conversation public.

(With inputs from agencies.)