Jairam Ramesh, Congress General Secretary in-charge of Communications and a Member of Parliament, has called attention to the escalating prices of essential food items. He stated that these rising costs are adversely affecting the lives of poorer and middle-class families across the nation. Ramesh demanded that the central government take prompt measures to alleviate the financial burden on these communities.

In a recent post on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, he provided specific figures indicating that the prices of various spices have surged between 10 to 25 per cent in just the past month. Notably, he pointed out the significant price hikes in small and large cardamom, as well as cumin, with small cardamom now costing Rs 4,400 per kg instead of Rs 4,000 per kg, and large cardamom rising from Rs 2,400 to Rs 2,800 per kg.

Ramesh’s analysis further included the increased prices of mace, pigeon pea (tur) dal, chana dal, and urad dal. The price of mace alone has jumped from Rs 2,500 to Rs 3,000 per kg, while pigeon pea dal has gone from Rs 100 to Rs 130 per kg. Similarly, chana dal prices increased from Rs 70 to Rs 100 per kg and urad from Rs 120 to Rs 140 per kg. These figures illustrate the growing financial strain on households that rely on these commodities for their daily sustenance.

Rising Costs Of Cooking Oils And Onions

Additionally, Ramesh highlighted the price increases in cooking oils, stating that mustard oil rose from Rs 190 to Rs 210 per litre. He noted that the cost of Safola oil also escalated, increasing from Rs 240 to Rs 280 per litre. These price hikes in essential cooking items contribute further to the overall inflationary pressure faced by the common person.

Onions, a staple in Indian kitchens, have seen a dramatic increase in price as well, according to Ramesh. He reported that the all-India average retail price of onions surged from Rs 29.50 per kg in June to Rs 53.78 per kg by September, marking an astounding 82.3 per cent increase within three and a half months. Such substantial price rises in basic food items are being highlighted as a critical issue for many families struggling to make ends meet.

Ramesh alleged that these rising costs are making it increasingly difficult for lower-income households to afford essential food items. He emphasised the negative impact of inflation on people’s daily lives, expressing concern that many are unable to secure sufficient nutrition due to skyrocketing prices.

Questioning Government Accountability

In addressing Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Ramesh questioned the government’s response to inflation and the whereabouts of the promised “good days” that were supposed to improve citizens’ conditions. He expressed his concerns over the silence maintained by the Prime Minister in the face of escalating prices, stating that the public is eager to know why their situation has not improved as promised.

Ramesh asked, “Where have the ‘good days’ gone, Prime Minister ji? Are they only left in sermons?” This rhetorical question aimed to reflect the growing frustration among the populace regarding unfulfilled promises and the persistent struggle against inflation. Ramesh stated that many individuals are going hungry while the government remains unresponsive.

He urged the government to implement immediate actions to control what he described as “uncontrolled inflation” and to provide relief to the common people who are increasingly affected by this crisis. Ramesh’s call to action seeks to emphasise the urgency of addressing these economic challenges in order to support vulnerable populations across India.

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