Archive · 15 Sep 2026
Pralhad Joshi Calls 4.8% Inflation Highest Under Modi Government
India’s retail inflation rose to about 4.8 percent in August.
This means many everyday goods, especially food, became more expensive.
Minister Pralhad Joshi said this was the highest inflation rate during Narendra Modi’s 12 years as prime minister.
He said El Nino, natural disasters and international problems helped cause the increase.
Government data mainly linked the rise to higher food prices.
Joshi said the government is working to control inflation.
He compared the current figure with higher inflation during the previous UPA government.
He also asked people to share ideas through a public campaign for India’s development by 2047.
Retail inflation rose to 4.82% in August, according to government data, largely because of higher food prices.
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi said the rate was the highest during the 12 years of Narendra Modi’s government.
Joshi attributed the increase to El Nino, natural calamities, international problems and the war in West Asia.
He said the government is sensitive to inflation and is making continuous efforts to bring it under control.
Joshi also promoted the month-long Seva Sankalp Abhiyan, beginning September 17, to gather public ideas for a developed India by 2047.
- Who
- Union Minister Pralhad Joshi discussed the inflation figures and Narendra Modi’s government.
- What
- Retail inflation rose to 4.82% in August, which Joshi described as the highest during the Modi government’s 12 years.
- When
- The government data was released on Monday; Joshi spoke on September 15, and the campaign is scheduled to begin September 17.
- Where
- Joshi spoke to reporters in Hubballi, Karnataka.
- Why
- The increase was largely driven by higher food prices; Joshi also cited El Nino, natural calamities, international problems and the war in West Asia.
Government Position
Congress Criticism And Context
Cause of inflation
Government Position
Pralhad Joshi attributed the 4.82% inflation rate to food prices, El Nino, natural calamities and international problems, while saying the government is working to control it.
Congress Criticism And Context
The article does not provide a direct Congress response to the August inflation data or an alternative explanation.
Comparison with previous government
Government Position
Joshi said inflation during the previous UPA tenure was around 10% or higher for more than eight years.
Congress Criticism And Context
The article reports Joshi’s comparison but does not include independent figures or a response from the UPA or Congress.
Ganesha procession incident
Government Position
Joshi alleged that Congress supports officials who impose restrictions on Hindu festival celebrations, referring to a police inspector’s reported warning during a procession in T. Narsipur.
Congress Criticism And Context
The article says the Congress party supported the inspector, but does not include the party’s direct response or explanation.
- August retail inflation
- 4.82%
- Main reported driver
- Higher food prices
- Claimed period record
- Highest during the 12 years of Narendra Modi’s government, according to Pralhad Joshi
- Factors cited by Joshi
- El Nino, natural calamities, international problems and the war in West Asia
- Earlier inflation claim
- Joshi said inflation under the previous UPA tenure was about 10% or higher for more than eight years
- Public campaign
- Seva Sankalp Abhiyan is scheduled to begin September 17
- Campaign goal
- Gather public ideas for making India developed by 2047