Sat Sep 06 09:26:14 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:
**Summary:**
The Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) is overhauling its digital media cell (INC@Kerala) after a controversial social media post perceived as insulting to Bihar. The post, made without the knowledge of the digital cell head, V.T. Balaram, mocked the central government’s decision regarding taxes on “beedis” (Indian cigarettes) ahead of Bihar elections. This incident, coupled with a previous controversial post about Prime Minister Modi and the Pope, drew criticism from the All India Congress Committee (AICC), which warned INC@Kerala to focus on state-level politics. The AICC feared the post provided ammunition for the BJP to accuse the Congress of regionalism and insulting Biharis, particularly impacting their alliance with RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav. The KPCC plans to refine its social media strategy, decentralize operations to the constituency level, and focus on local and age-specific content, aiming to challenge the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) in upcoming local and state elections.
**News Article:**
**Kerala Congress to Revamp Digital Media Cell After Bihar Controversy**
*Thiruvananthapuram, India – September 6, 2025* – The Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) is undertaking a significant overhaul of its digital media operations following a social media post that sparked controversy and accusations of regional bias. The controversial post made by INC@Kerala, the KPCC’s digital media cell, on the topic of “beedis” and Bihar, threatened to undermine the Congress party’s efforts in the lead up to Bihar elections and drew ire from within the party ranks.
The post, which linked “beedis” and Bihar, implying they were no longer considered a “sin” after government tax decision, was posted without the knowledge of V.T. Balaram, the head of KPCC’s digital cell. KPCC President Sunny Joseph, MLA, acknowledged that INC@Kerala had failed to exercise “due caution or political prudence” when satirizing the Central government’s tax policy.
The incident drew criticism from the All India Congress Committee (AICC), which reportedly warned INC@Kerala to confine its activities to provincial politics and align its social media strategy with the national digital media cell. Sources within the KPCC suggest the AICC was particularly concerned that the post gave the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ammunition to accuse the Congress of insulting Biharis and fomenting regionalism, damaging its alliance with Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav.
This isn’t the first time INC@Kerala’s social media activity has caused controversy. A previous post comparing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with Pope Francis to a meeting with God also drew criticism from the BJP and religious leaders.
In response to these incidents, the KPCC is planning a comprehensive revamp of its digital media strategy. The focus will be on creating sharp, targeted video content to challenge the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) in the upcoming local body polls and the 2026 Assembly elections.
Furthermore, the KPCC intends to decentralize its digital operations, tailoring content to specific Assembly constituencies and age groups. This localized approach aims to strengthen the UDF Opposition’s political narrative and enhance its engagement with voters across Kerala.
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