Thiruvananthapuram: VT Balram, who led the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee’s social media and digital cell, stepped down on September 6, 2025, following a row over a post from the party’s official X account.
The post stated, “Bidis and Bihar start from B. Cannot be considered a sin anymore,” in reference to the recent GST changes that reduced the tax on bidis from 28% to 18%, while increasing levies on cigarettes.
The remark quickly drew outrage, with many calling it derogatory towards Bihar and its people. Leaders from the BJP accused the Congress of cultural insensitivity and alleged that the comment reflected a dismissive attitude towards the state.
The Kerala Congress unit swiftly deleted the post and issued an apology, acknowledging the lapse as a serious mistake. KPCC President Sunny Joseph admitted that the error had caused unnecessary controversy and announced plans to reorganise the party’s social media wing to avoid similar incidents.
In his resignation note, Balram indicated that he had already been considering stepping down from the position. However, the timing of his decision suggested that the controversy over the ‘Bidis–Bihar’ remark accelerated the move.
The incident has reignited debates around political accountability on social media, with opposition parties pressing Congress to exercise greater care in its online communication strategies.