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Congress questions Modi as inflation and appliance prices rise
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh says families are paying more for food and household goods.
He especially pointed to onions becoming much more expensive.
He also cited reports that televisions, air conditioners, refrigerators and other appliances may cost more from October 1.
These possible price increases are linked to higher costs for materials such as copper and aluminium.
Ramesh said families are struggling because savings are falling and debts are rising.
He asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss inflation in his radio programme, Mann Ki Baat.
Congress says the government is not doing enough to reduce the burden on ordinary people.
The government disagrees with Congress’s criticism and points to strong GDP growth.
The appliance price increases were reported as possible plans, not confirmed changes for every product.
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of ignoring inflation and rising household expenses.
Ramesh cited a 48.27% year-on-year increase in onion prices in August, compared with 22.54% in July.
Manufacturers could raise prices from October 1, with air conditioners potentially increasing by up to 10% and LED televisions by about 7%.
Refrigerators and other appliances were reported likely to become 3% to 5% costlier because of higher copper and aluminium costs.
The government rejected Congress’s criticism, pointing to GDP figures and saying the economy was growing rapidly.
- Who
- Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the government over rising prices.
- What
- Congress raised concerns about inflation, higher onion prices and possible festive-season increases in appliance prices.
- Where
- India.
- When
- The criticism was reported on Monday, September 28; the possible appliance increases were expected from October 1, while the cited inflation data covered August.
- Why
- Ramesh said rising raw-material costs, food prices, declining household savings and increasing family debt were putting pressure on families.
Congress criticism
Government response
Inflation and public burden
Congress criticism
Jairam Ramesh said inflation is hurting families beyond food purchases, with savings declining and debts increasing, and accused the prime minister of failing to address the issue.
Government response
The government dismissed Congress’s claims and pointed to GDP figures, asserting that the economy is growing rapidly.
Appliance price increases
Congress criticism
Congress highlighted reports that televisions, air conditioners, refrigerators and other appliances could become more expensive before the festive season.
Government response
The cited price increases were based on reported manufacturer plans linked to raw-material costs; the government’s response, as reported, focused on broader economic growth rather than confirming the increases.
Key facts
- Onion inflation
- 48.27% year on year in August, up from 22.54% in July.
- India retail inflation
- 4.82% in August, compared with 4.45% in July.
- Food inflation
- 5.95% in August.
- Air-conditioner prices
- Could rise by up to 10%, according to the cited report.
- LED television prices
- Could rise by about 7%.
- Refrigerator and other appliance prices
- Could increase by 3% to 5%.
- Potential effective date
- Manufacturers were reportedly preparing price increases from October 1.
Quotes
Jairam Ramesh
Congress leader and critic of the Indian government
“Vegetables are getting more expensive by the day, with onion prices soaring by 48.27 per cent in August. Items like air conditioners, TVs and refrigerators are gearing up for price hikes. Household savings are steadily declining, while family debts are mounting.”
telegraphindia.com
“In his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ radio series, the prime minister keeps sermonising on various issues, but when will he address the country’s most pressing concern – inflation? When will he care about the public’s worries?”
theprint.in
Sources
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