Overview

• The now-deleted X post read, “Bidis and Bihar start with B. Cannot be considered a sin anymore,” alongside a chart on proposed GST changes.
• After removing the post, the Kerala Congress said its jab at the government’s GST move was being twisted and added, “Our apologies if you felt hurt.”
• Bihar deputy CM Samrat Choudhary called it an insult to the state, JD(U) leader Sanjay Kumar Jha shot back that “B” stands for “buddhi” too, and BJP’s Shehzad Poonawalla pressed Tejashwi Yadav to disavow the remark.
• The controversy stems from GST Council decisions cutting bidis to 18% and tendu leaves to 5% while proposing a 40% slab for items such as tobacco and cigarettes, with changes scheduled from September 22.
• NDA leaders are tying the episode to recent tensions in Bihar, warning voters will answer in the assembly polls and invoking a prior Darbhanga abuse incident to rally support.