Kerala Congress Unit's Social Media Chief Resigns Amid 'Bidis-Bihar' Post Row

The Congress' Kerala unit's social media head has resigned after a controversial post drew criticism from political leaders across states. VT Balram, a two-time legislator from Kerala's Thrithala constituency and until now the head of the the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) social media and digital cell, stepped down from his role, a day after the KPCC's official handle on X posted a message linking Bihar with bidis in the context of recently announced Goods and Services Tax (GST) changes.

The post, since deleted, had read: "Bidis and Bihar start from B. Cannot be considered a sin anymore."

The statement, referencing the GST Council's decision to reduce tax on bidis from 28 per cent to 18 per cent, while increasing rates on cigarettes, was widely interpreted as derogatory towards Bihar and its people. Bihar is among the country's leading centres of bidi production, and the industry employs an estimated 70 lakh workers nationwide.

Within hours of the post appearing, criticism mounted from across the political spectrum. Leaders of the ruling NDA in Bihar accused the Congress of insulting the state, while allies of the Congress in the RJD scrambled to distance themselves from the remarks.

Mr Balram, who had been managing the KPCC's social media since Dr P Sarin resigned last year to join the CPI(M), conveyed his decision to step down after the controversy grew. 

The controversial post had come shortly after the GST Council announced major reforms, including a simplification of the tax structure and changes to tobacco-related products. While cigarettes will continue to attract higher levies, bidis were brought down to 18 per cent, with tendu leaves - the wrappers used in bidi-making - taxed at just 5 per cent.

After outrage, the KPCC deleted the message and issued an apology. "We see that our jibe at Modi's election gimmick with GST rates is being twisted. Our apologies if you felt hurt," the new post said.