Congress Faces Backlash for GST Post Comparing Bihar to ‘Bidis’; JDU Retorts with ‘Buddhi’ Remark

The Congress party's recent social media post on GST reforms has sparked controversy, drawing sharp criticism from Bihar's ruling allies. On Friday, the Kerala unit of Congress posted on X (now deleted) stating that "Bidis and Bihar start with B" and "cannot be considered a sin anymore," referring to the recent GST reduction on bidis. The post aimed to mock the BJP over its tax reforms but instead triggered strong backlash from political opponents.

The post included a chart highlighting the new GST rates: tax on cigars and cigarettes increased from 28% to 40%, tobacco from 28% to 40%, while the levy on bidis was reduced from 28% to 18%, effectively removing it from the highest "sin goods" category.

JDU, BJP accuse Congress of insulting Bihar

Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary condemned the Congress post, calling it an insult to the state. "First, the insult to the revered mother of our honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, and now the insult to the entire Bihar. This is the true character of the Congress, repeatedly being exposed before the country," Choudhary said.

BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla also criticized the Congress, questioning whether RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav endorsed the remarks. "Congress crosses the line again. After abusing PM Narendra Modi ji's mother, now they compare Bihar with Bidi! Does Tejashwi Yadav endorse this?" he asked. JD(U) leader Sanjay Kumar Jha called the post "an extremely shameful act by the Congress."

JDU hits back with 'Buddhi' jibe

Jha further remarked, "B doesn't just mean beedi, it also means Buddhi, which you lack! B also means budget, which irritates you whenever Bihar receives special assistance."

The Congress has yet to issue an official response. Meanwhile, the deleted tweet has given the BJP and its allies a fresh political talking point ahead of the upcoming Bihar assembly elections, framing the issue as one of regional pride and respect.