NEW DELHI, Sept. 5 — A political storm erupted Friday after the Kerala unit of the Congress posted on ‘X’ that “Bidis and Bihar start with B,” prompting sharp criticism from BJP leaders who accused the party of insulting the state and its people.
The post, which drew widespread backlash before being deleted, was aimed at recent GST revisions that raised taxes on cigars, cigarettes, and tobacco to 40 percent while reducing the rate on bidis from 28 to 18 percent.
Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai condemned the remark, alleging that Congress leaders habitually demean Biharis. “Congress leaders across the country and all RJD leaders in Bihar take a pleasure in insulting Biharis. They take pride in humiliating Biharis and Bihari pride. People of Bihar will teach a lesson to all such people who hurt Biharis and their self-respect,” he said.
Rai further claimed that senior opposition figures were responsible for creating an environment where such statements are made. “What will they (Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav) say about this? It is they who make them say all this,” he added.
Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary also attacked the Congress, saying the comment reflected the party’s mindset. “After insulting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s mother, now Bihar is being insulted. This shows the true character of the Congress,” he said.
The controversy has deepened the political confrontation between the BJP and Congress, with ruling party leaders in Bihar framing the issue as one of dignity and self-respect. The Congress has yet to issue an official statement on the deleted post.
