Congress Revamps Kerala Digital Media Cell After Controversial Post

A recent social media post from the official X account of the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) ignited controversy by comparing the state of Bihar to bidis, a type of Indian cigarette. The backlash was significant, prompting KPCC President Sunny Joseph to announce plans for a complete revamp of the party’s digital media team over the weekend.

The contentious post, which has since been deleted, stated, “Bidis and Bihar start from B. Cannot be considered a sin anymore.” Following its removal, the KPCC issued an apology, asserting that the initial intent was to critique Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s election strategies involving the Goods and Services Tax (GST). The apology read, “We see that our jibe at Modi’s election gimmick with GST rates is being twisted. Our apologies if you felt hurt.”

Changes in Leadership and Structure

The digital media wing of the Congress party in Kerala was previously led by Dr. P. Sarin, who departed to join the Communist Party of India (Marxist) last year. After his exit, V.T. Balram, a former legislator, took over the role. Amid the fallout from the recent incident, Balram expressed a desire to resign, citing his inability to adequately manage the responsibilities of the position. Reports indicate that he has since stepped down from his role as the head of the party’s social media operations.

In light of this controversy, A.P. Anil Kumar, KPCC’s working president, clarified that the post did not represent the official stance of the party. He emphasized that all social media content is typically subject to formal clearance before publication.

Political Reactions and Criticism

The post drew sharp criticism from various leaders in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), with Tejashwi Yadav, a prominent leader of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), voicing his discontent. Union Minister Giriraj Singh condemned the remarks, stating, “Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav not only insulted the Prime Minister’s mother but also leaders like Stalin, who abused Biharis.” He accused the Congress party of attempting to demean the people of Bihar, declaring that “every single insult will be accounted for in the days to come, and the people of Bihar will give a fitting democratic reply.”

Additionally, Neeraj Kumar, spokesperson for the Janata Dal (United), expressed that the tweet showcased the true nature of the Congress party. He reminded critics that Bihar is a region rich in cultural and historical significance, being home to figures such as Mahatma Buddha and Emperor Ashoka.

As the Congress party moves forward, the revamping of its digital media cell reflects an effort to address the backlash and ensure that its social media messaging aligns more closely with its values and objectives.