Overview

• The Kerala unit’s X post stated, “Bidis and Bihar start with B. Cannot be considered a sin anymore,” alongside a chart on proposed GST changes for tobacco products before it was removed.
• Kerala Congress president Sunny Joseph called the post a mistake, said an apology was issued, and announced the state unit will reconstitute its social media cell.
• VT Balram stepped down as head of the Kerala Congress social media wing following the backlash.
• BJP and JD(U) leaders, including Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary and Union minister Nityanand Rai, labeled the remark an insult to Bihar and signaled it will feature in their election messaging.
• RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav and Congress figures distanced themselves and sought an apology, as coverage underscored the policy backdrop in which bidi GST was cut to 18% while a 40% slab is applied to select tobacco products.