Kerala Congress Social Media Chief Resigns Amid Outcry Over Controversial 'Bihar Bidis' Post

In a significant political development, P Sarin, the convenor of the Kerala Congress's social media cell, has tendered his resignation amidst a storm of controversy. The move comes after a contentious post on social media, perceived as disparaging towards certain communities and workers, triggered widespread outrage and condemnation.

The core of the controversy stems from a post by Sarin regarding Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's decision to decline the invitation to the inauguration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

Sarin’s post stated, "No, Rahul Gandhi did not go to Ayodhya. Our party values human beings more than bidi workers. We are with the human beings. Jai Hind." This particular phrasing, especially the mention of "bidi workers" and its perceived association with "Bihar bidis," ignited a fierce debate online and offline.

Critics swiftly condemned the statement, interpreting it as a derogatory remark targeting not only bidi workers but also implicitly the people of Bihar, a state known for its bidi industry.

The backlash was immediate and intense, with many accusing Sarin of insensitivity and classism, leading to calls for his removal from his position.

In an attempt to quell the escalating furore, Sarin issued a clarification, asserting that his use of the term "bidi" was in reference to a specific derogatory slur allegedly used by the RSS against people from Kerala.

He clarified that his intention was not to disparage any community or workers, but rather to highlight a specific political narrative. Despite his apology and explanation for the "misunderstanding," the damage was already done, and public pressure mounted.

The state unit of the Congress party quickly distanced itself from Sarin's individual statement.

Kerala Congress President K Sudhakaran confirmed Sarin's resignation, acknowledging the controversial nature of the post and the party's stance against such remarks. Sudhakaran had earlier stated that Sarin's comments were "incorrect" and did not reflect the party's official position or values.

This incident further complicates the Congress party's narrative, particularly regarding the sensitive issue of the Ayodhya Ram Temple inauguration.

With many senior Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, choosing to stay away from the event, the party has been navigating a delicate political landscape. Sarin's controversial post inadvertently added fuel to the fire, providing fodder for political opponents and raising questions about the party's internal communication and messaging on crucial national issues.

The resignation underscores the heightened scrutiny faced by political parties and their representatives in the age of social media, where a single ill-considered post can rapidly escalate into a major political crisis, demanding swift and decisive action from leadership.