Kerala Congress's 'Bihar, Bidis Start With B' Post Sparks BJP Backlash

A controversial social media post by the Kerala unit of the Congress party, likening the state of Bihar to bidis in reference to proposed GST rate changes, has ignited a fierce political row in India. The now-deleted post, which read, “Bidis and Bihar start with B. Cannot be considered a sin anymore,” drew sharp criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its allies, who labeled it an insult to Bihar and its people. The incident, occurring on September 5, 2025, has escalated tensions ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections, highlighting the sensitivity of regional sentiments in Indian politics.

The Controversial Post and Immediate Backlash

The Kerala Congress’s post on X was intended as a critique of the central government’s proposed GST rate adjustments, particularly the reduction of the tax on bidis from 28% to 18%. Accompanied by a chart detailing the current and proposed GST rates on tobacco products, the post’s comparison of bidis to Bihar was perceived as derogatory, triggering immediate outrage. The Congress party swiftly deleted the post, but not before it was widely screenshotted and shared, fueling a political firestorm.

BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla was among the first to condemn the post, accusing the Congress and its INDIA bloc allies of harboring an “anti-Bihar mentality.” In a scathing X post, Poonawalla questioned whether Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav, the Leader of the Opposition in the Bihar Assembly, endorsed the comparison. He further alleged that the Congress’s actions were part of a pattern of disrespect toward Bihar, citing previous incidents involving other INDIA bloc leaders like Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and Tamil Nadu’s DMK.

BJP Leaders Amplify Criticism

Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary echoed Poonawalla’s sentiments, calling the post an affront to the entire state of Bihar. In a strongly worded statement on X, Choudhary accused the Congress of exposing its “true character” through repeated insults, referencing a prior controversy where Congress leaders were accused of disrespecting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s late mother. “First, the insult to the revered mother of our honorable Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi ji, and now the insult to the entire Bihar,” he wrote, emphasizing that such actions would not be tolerated by Bihar’s electorate.

Janata Dal (United) leader Sanjay Kumar Jha also joined the fray, condemning the Congress’s post as “an extremely shameful act.” In a sharp retort, Jha stated, “B doesn’t just mean beedi, it also means Buddhi (intellect), which you lack!” He highlighted Bihar’s rich historical and cultural legacy, noting its significance as the land of Lord Buddha’s enlightenment and the birthplace of the first draft of India’s Constitution. Jha warned that the Congress’s remarks could have electoral repercussions in the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections scheduled for October or November 2025.

Context of the GST Controversy

The controversy stems from the GST Council’s recent decision to revise tax rates, announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on September 4, 2025. The proposed changes include a reduction in the GST rate on bidis from 28% to 18% and on tendu leaves, used to roll bidis, from 18% to 5%. In contrast, cigars, cigarettes, and other tobacco products face a new 40% GST slab, reflecting a targeted approach to differentiate between products. These changes, set to take effect on September 22, 2025, coinciding with the start of Navratri, have sparked debate, with the Congress accusing the government of favoring certain industries.

Sitharaman took a swipe at the Congress during her announcement, questioning whether the party was advocating for a 5% tax on tobacco and gutkha, implying their criticism was inconsistent. The Kerala Congress’s post was an attempt to highlight what it perceived as a contradictory policy, but its reference to Bihar proved to be a misstep. The comparison was particularly sensitive given Bihar’s significant role in the bidi industry, which employs millions, especially in rural areas. The state’s political and cultural sensitivities made the analogy a lightning rod for criticism.

Political Ramifications Ahead of Bihar Elections

The timing of the controversy is significant, as Bihar is gearing up for its 2025 Assembly elections, expected to be held in October or November. The state is a crucial battleground for both the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by the BJP and Janata Dal (United), and the opposition INDIA bloc, which includes the Congress and RJD. The Congress’s post has provided the NDA with ammunition to portray the opposition as disrespectful to Bihar’s pride, potentially swaying voters in a state where regional identity is a powerful electoral factor.

Tejashwi Yadav, the RJD leader, has not yet publicly responded to Poonawalla’s query about whether he endorses the Congress’s comparison. The silence from Congress leaders on the backlash further suggests an attempt to contain the damage. However, the incident has reignited debates about the INDIA bloc’s cohesion and its ability to present a united front against the NDA in Bihar. Political analysts note that such missteps could undermine the opposition’s campaign, particularly in a state where caste dynamics and regional pride play a critical role.

Broader Context of Political Sensitivities

The Kerala Congress’s post is not an isolated incident but part of a series of controversies involving the INDIA bloc’s alleged remarks against Bihar. Poonawalla referenced past statements by Revanth Reddy, who reportedly questioned Bihar’s “DNA,” and DMK leaders, who were accused of derogatory comments about Biharis. These incidents have been seized upon by the BJP to paint the opposition as elitist and disconnected from the heartland state’s aspirations. The strategy aligns with the BJP’s broader campaign narrative of defending Bihar’s honor and leveraging Prime Minister Modi’s leadership to consolidate support.

The controversy also underscores the challenges of social media in political communication. While platforms like X offer parties a direct channel to engage voters, they also amplify missteps, as seen in this case. The rapid spread of the Kerala Congress’s post and its subsequent deletion highlight the double-edged nature of digital campaigning, where a single remark can escalate into a national debate. For the Congress, the incident is a reminder of the need for greater sensitivity in addressing regional issues, especially in a diverse and politically charged country like India.

The Road Ahead for Congress and BJP

As the Bihar elections approach, the Congress faces the challenge of repairing its image in the state. The party’s alliance with the RJD is critical to its electoral strategy, but controversies like this could strain relations with its partners and alienate voters. The BJP, on the other hand, is capitalizing on the incident to reinforce its narrative of being the defender of Bihar’s pride. The NDA’s campaign, led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and supported by Prime Minister Modi, is focusing on development and social welfare, with the Congress’s misstep providing an opportunity to highlight the opposition’s perceived insensitivity.

The GST rate changes, while the trigger for this controversy, also reflect broader economic debates in India. The decision to lower taxes on bidis, a product associated with rural and lower-income communities, has been contentious, with critics arguing it prioritizes certain industries over public health. The Congress’s attempt to critique this policy through its now-deleted post has backfired, shifting the focus from policy to regional sensitivities. As the political landscape heats up, both parties will need to navigate these issues carefully to maintain voter trust.