Row erupts over Congress Kerala unit’s GST post linking Bihar with bidis

The Congress party’s Kerala unit found itself at the centre of a political storm after a social media post on Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms drew sharp criticism from Bihar’s ruling alliance leaders. 

The now-deleted post on X had read, “Bidis and Bihar start with B” and “cannot be considered a sin anymore,” referencing the tax cut on bidis.

Deputy chief minister Samrat Choudhary of the BJP lashed out at the Congress, terming the comment an affront to the state.

“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," he said.

Janata Dal (United) leader Sanjay Kumar Jha echoed the anger, describing the episode as “another extremely shameful act”.

In his response on X, Jha wrote, “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.” 

He further added that mocking Bihar was tantamount to insulting the country’s democratic heritage. “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 said.

The BJP also amplified the criticism at the national level. Party spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla remarked, “Congress crosses the line again. After abusing PM @narendramodi ji mother now compares Bihar with Bidi ! Does Tejaswi Yadav endorse this? From Revanth Reddy to DMK To Congress- their hatred for Bihar is evident.”

Former JDU leader and BJP ally Ajay Alok too joined the chorus, ridiculing the party with sharp words.

“The Congress party, the B for 'budbak' (fool) and B for 'baalbuddhi' (childish), has been told of their status in Bihar since 1989. That's why the Congress is out of power in Bihar…Today, they have called the entire Bihar ‘bidi’. So, the 'bidi' will burn them down. They will be wiped out,” he said.

The Congress has not issued an official clarification so far. However, the incident has provided the BJP and its allies fresh political ammunition ahead of the assembly polls, with leaders framing it as a matter of Bihar’s pride and respect.