A now-deleted social media post by the Kerala unit of the Indian National Congress has sparked widespread criticism, particularly from BJP and JDU, over remarks that many have described as offensive and derogatory. The controversy stems from a tweet linking the word "Bihar" with "bidis", while reacting to a GST rate cut, which was seen as an insult to the state and its people.
The controversy arose following a post on X, in which the Kerala Congress unit wrote, "Bidis and Bihar start with B and cannot be considered a sin anymore," in reference to the reduction in GST on bidis, a traditional hand-rolled tobacco product. The remark drew immediate backlash for seemingly equating the state of Bihar with a tobacco item.
Leaders from multiple parties condemned the statement. Bihar Deputy Chief Minister and senior BJP leader Samrat Choudhary accused the Congress of repeatedly insulting the people of Bihar. "First, the insult to the revered mother of our Honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and now the insult to the entire Bihar—this is the true character of the Congress, which is repeatedly being exposed before the country,” said Choudhary.
JDU leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Kumar Jha also criticised the Congress, calling the remark "another extremely shameful act". "Let me tell you that B doesn’t just mean bidi, it also means buddhi (intellect), which you lack. B also means budget, which makes you jealous when Bihar receives special assistance,” wrote the Rajya Sabha MP. "By making a mockery of Bihar, the Congress has not only insulted the people of Bihar once again, but has also mocked the glorious history of the country and democracy. Believe me, the great people of Bihar will give a befitting reply to the repeated insults by the Congress in the upcoming assembly elections,” he added.
Shehzad Poonawalla, national spokesperson for the BJP, also weighed in. In a video statement, he said, "If they’re saying B for Bidis and B for Bihar, then they should also know C for Congress and C for Corruption."
Congress has not issued any formal response to the controversy at the national level, and the post in question has since been removed from social media.
The political firestorm follows changes introduced by the GST Council earlier this week. Under the revised structure, bidis will now be taxed at 18 percent, down from the earlier rate of 28 percent. Tendu leaves, which are used to wrap bidis, have also seen a reduction in GST, from 18 percent to 5 percent. The Council approved a simplified tax system by consolidating the existing four tax slabs, 5, 12, 18 and 28 percent, into a two-rate structure of 5 and 18 percent. A special slab of 40 percent has been proposed for a few select items, including tobacco and cigarettes. With Bihar set to hold assembly elections later this year, the timing of the controversy has heightened political tensions.
