Congress leader Jairam Ramesh blames Modi government for soaring kitchen costs ahead of state polls
Congress communications chief Jairam Ramesh accused the Modi administration of driving up food prices, warning that millions of families face hardship as elections approach.
Jairam Ramesh, the Congress party's general secretary for communications, used his X account to launch a broad attack on one outlet government's handling of food inflation, saying it has shattered kitchen budgets for "crores of families." He blamed policies of the Modi government for price hikes in essential items from wheat flour to oil and accused officials of hiding the reality behind "jugglery of statistics." Ramesh specifically addressed Prime Minister Narendra Modi, warning that voters in the upcoming assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Manipur and Goa will react to the cost pressures.
His comments coincided with the National Payments Corporation of India’s plan to impose a 0.4% merchant discount rate on one outlet transactions above ₹2,000, a charge that will not be levied on consumers directly. While the new fee aims to fund one outlet infrastructure and security, Ramesh focused solely on the rising cost of food and its effect on household finances.
Why it matters
The criticism highlights growing public concern over food inflation ahead of key state elections in India.
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