Congress Faces Backlash Over ‘Bidi-Bihar’ Post Amid GST Reforms

A social media post by the Kerala unit of the Congress party has ignited a political controversy after it linked the recent Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms to Bihar in a manner perceived as derogatory. The now-deleted post stated, “Bidis and Bihar start with B. Cannot be considered a sin anymore,” referencing the GST Council’s decision to reduce the tax on bidis from 28% to 18%. This remark drew sharp criticism from various political quarters, leading to its swift removal and an apology from the Congress party.

Political Reactions and Backlash

The BJP and its allies were quick to condemn the Congress’s post, accusing the party of insulting the people of Bihar. Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary labeled it an “insult to the entire Bihar,” while BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla criticized the Congress for its “anti-Bihar mentality.” Janata Dal (United) leader Sanjay Kumar Jha also joined the chorus, calling the remark “another extremely shameful act” and emphasizing that “B doesn’t just mean bidi, it also means buddhi (intellect), which you lack.”

Congress’s Apology and Clarification

In response to the backlash, the Kerala Congress unit issued an apology, stating, “We see that our jibe at Modi’s election gimmick with GST rates is being twisted. Our apologies if you felt hurt.” The party clarified that the intention was not to insult Bihar but to critique the GST reforms. However, the incident has added fuel to ongoing political tensions surrounding GST reforms and regional sentiments.

Conclusion

The ‘Bidi-Bihar’ controversy underscores the sensitivity of political discourse, especially when it involves regional identities and economic policies. As Bihar approaches its upcoming assembly elections, such incidents could influence voter perceptions and impact the political landscape. It remains to be seen how this episode will affect the Congress’s standing in the state and its alliances with regional parties.