Is the Congress Party Revamping Its Digital Media After the ‘Bihar and Bidi’ Controversy?
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Synopsis
After a controversial post comparing Bihar to bidis sparked outrage, the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee is taking action. The KPCC is set to refresh its digital media team to avoid further backlash. What does this mean for the party's online strategy? Discover more about this unfolding story.
Key Takeaways
- KPCC is overhauling its digital media team.
- Previous head Dr. P. Sarin has left the party.
- Controversial post led to public outrage and criticism.
- New leadership aims to improve communication strategies.
- Official response emphasized accountability in social media posts.
Thiruvananthapuram, Sept 6 (NationPress) In response to a controversial social media post from the official X account of the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC), which drew backlash by likening Bihar to bidis, the party is set to overhaul its digital media cell.
On Saturday, KPCC president Sunny Joseph announced that a new team will be formed to lead the social media division.
The previous head of the digital cell was Dr P. Sarin, who departed from Congress last year to join the CPI(M) and ran unsuccessfully for the Palakkad assembly by-election.
After Sarin's exit, the role was taken over by two-time former Congress legislator V.T. Balaram.
The uproar began with a now-deleted tweet from @INCKerala that stated: “Bidis and Bihar start from B. Cannot be considered a sin anymore.”
Following its removal, another tweet was posted, apologizing for any offense caused, stating, “We see that our jibe at Modi’s election gimmick with GST rates is being twisted. Our apologies if you felt hurt.”
In light of the 'Bihar and Bidi' incident, Balaram, residing in Palakkad, expressed his wish to step down from the post, citing insufficient time to dedicate to the digital wing of KPCC.
Balaram claimed he was unaware of the contentious post.
Now, Sunny Joseph has reaffirmed that a new team will be established to manage the party's digital presence.
Interestingly, after the controversy emerged, KPCC working president and senior legislator A.P. Anil Kumar informed IANS that it was not an official statement from the party, emphasizing that every social media post should undergo official clearance.
The incident attracted significant criticism from numerous NDA leaders in Bihar, and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav also voiced his dissatisfaction.
Point of View
The KPCC's decision to revamp its digital media cell reflects a critical need for accountability in political communications. The backlash from the 'Bihar and Bidi' incident underscores the importance of carefully managed messaging in today's digital landscape. The party's response, including an apology, indicates a recognition of the evolving dynamics of public discourse and the necessity of maintaining a respectful dialogue.
NationPress
06/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the revamp of the KPCC's digital media cell?
The revamp was prompted by a controversial social media post that compared Bihar to bidis, leading to widespread criticism and outrage.
Who was the previous head of the digital cell?
The digital cell was previously led by Dr. P. Sarin, who left Congress to join CPI(M).
What did the controversial post say?
The post from @INCKerala stated: 'Bidis and Bihar start from B. Cannot be considered a sin anymore.'
How did the party respond to the backlash?
The KPCC issued an apology acknowledging that the post was misconstrued as an official party stance.
Who is now leading the revamp efforts?
KPCC president Sunny Joseph announced that a new team will be formed to lead the digital media wing.
