'Mehengaai ka bhuchaal': Congress slams Centre over 2-yr high retail inflation

NEW DELHI: Congress on Friday stepped up its attack on the Centre over two-year high retail inflation, describing the current economic situation as "mehengaai ka bhuchaal" (earthquake of inflation) rather than "Amrit Kaal". The opposition party alleged that households were struggling to manage their budgets as food prices and the cost of everyday necessities continued to climb.

"Under the Modi government, inflation is no longer just a witch—it has now become an uninvited guest, devouring every household’s budget. From the kitchen to every other daily necessity, prices have spiraled out of control. The Modi government’s misguided policies have broken the backs of ordinary people," Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said in a post on X.

Referring to the latest inflation figures, he said that retail inflation had climbed to 6.09 per cent, its highest level in two years, while prices had increased across 11 of the 12 consumption categories. He also questioned the government's response to the rising cost of living. Ramesh flagged food inflation at 8.94 per cent and pointed to sharp increases in the prices of essential vegetables and other household items. Citing figures, he said onions had become 116 per cent more expensive, garlic 60 per cent and ginger 48 per cent. He added that prices of flour, cooking oil, ghee, milk, pulses and soap had also been rising.

"Inflation has been rising for the past 12 years, and its real impact is far greater than government statistics suggest. But this year, even those figures have been rising every month. Retail inflation has reached a two-year high of 6.09%. What is surprising is that inflation has risen in 11 of the 12 consumption categories, yet the arrogant minister of propaganda has remained silent about his government’s performance," he said.

The Congress leader further raised concerns over companies potentially reducing product quantities even as prices increase. He also warned that any increase in interest rates could add to the financial burden on households by making loans and everyday expenses costlier. "Food inflation has reached 8.94%. Onions have become 116% more expensive, garlic 60%, and ginger 48%. Inflation is running rampant across everything, from flour, oil, ghee, milk and lentils to soap. Besides raising prices, companies are considering reducing product quantities. Now there are also fears of interest rate hikes, which would make both borrowing and living even more expensive for ordinary people.

This is not an Amrit Kaal; it is an inflationary earthquake," he said. The Congress had also criticised the Centre on Thursday over the rising cost of essential commodities, alleging that mounting household expenses were putting pressure on ordinary consumers and calling for effective steps to rein in inflation.