Full Breakdown
Congress Accuses Modi Government of “Skyrocketing” Food Prices
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Congress Calls Out Inflation on September 21
On September 21, Congress general secretary in-charge of communications Jairam Ramesh posted on X that the central government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi had been silent while food-item prices surged, using the 1977 Bollywood song “Kya hua tera vada” to frame the criticism.
Background & Context
Inflation has been a recurring political issue in India, with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) emphasizing overall GDP growth while opposition parties highlight the impact of price rises on low- and middle-income households. The Congress party has repeatedly framed food-price pressure as evidence of “anti-people” policies, and the September 21 post continued that narrative ahead of the upcoming election cycle.
Data & Statistics
Ramesh cited a media report that listed the following month-to-month increases:
- Spices: 10 %–25 % rise; green cardamom INR4,000 -> INR4,400 /kg, black cardamom INR2,400 -> INR2,800 /kg, cumin INR360 -> INR400 /kg, mace INR2,500 -> INR3,000 /kg.
- Pulses: arhar dal INR100 -> INR130 /kg, chana dal INR70 -> INR100 /kg, urad INR120 -> INR140 /kg.
- Cooking oils: mustard oil INR190 -> INR210 /litre, Safola oil INR240 -> INR280 /litre.
- Onions: all-India retail price INR29.50 -> INR53.78 /kg (an 82.3 % increase over three and a half months).
Official Statements & Responses
The Modi government rejected Congress’s charge, noting that macro-economic indicators such as GDP growth remain strong. Government spokespeople argued that the administration is monitoring price trends and that broader economic performance counters the narrative of “uncontrolled inflation.” No specific policy measures were detailed in the statements cited.
Criticism & Opposition: Congress’s Appeal for Relief
Ramesh demanded immediate steps to curb what he termed “uncontrolled inflation,” urging the Centre to provide relief to common people. He framed the issue as a breach of the promised “good days” (achche din) that the government had pledged during its 2014 campaign, questioning whether those promises had been abandoned.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The skyrocketing prices of food items in the country have broken the back of the middle and poor classes,” — Jairam Ramesh
- “The people go hungry, the government stays silent,” — Jairam Ramesh
- “Kya hua tera vada? Woh kasam, woh irada?” — Jairam Ramesh
- “But the Prime Minister remains silent on inflation. The country is asking, 'Where have the 'good days' gone, Prime Minister ji? Are they only left in sermons?” — Jairam Ramesh
