- KPCC deleted the post and issued an apology.
- Post referenced GST reduction on bidis, widely seen as derogatory to Bihar.
- Political leaders from Bihar, including NDA and Congress allies, condemned the post.
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 6th Sep: The Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) has faced backlash after its social media head, VT Balram, resigned following a controversial post linking Bihar with bidis amid recent GST reforms.
The deleted post stated: “Bidis and Bihar start from B. Cannot be considered a sin anymore.” The message, intended to reference GST changes, was widely interpreted as derogatory towards Bihar, a major hub for bidi production employing around 70 lakh workers.
Balram, a two-time Thrithala legislator, stepped down after criticism mounted from political leaders across states. KPCC later issued an apology, saying: “We see that our jibe at Modi’s election gimmick with GST rates is being twisted. Our apologies if you felt hurt.”