New Delhi: The Congress on Wednesday launched a fresh attack on the Narendra Modi government over the escalating prices of essential commodities, alleging that the BJP’s much-publicised promise of “achche din” had instead left families struggling to manage their monthly expenses.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said the government was trying to deflect attention from inflation through “distracting stunts and nonsensical talk”. He maintained that the Congress, along with the people, would continue to hold the Centre accountable and seek answers on the price rise.
Kharge referred to the sharp increase in the cost of commonly used household items. According to him, onion prices had risen by as much as 59 per cent in the last year and had reached Rs 50-60 a kg in several cities. Sugar was being sold at Rs 60-70 a kg and had risen to Rs 72 in certain places, he said. Mustard oil, meanwhile, was available at more than Rs 200 a litre, as reported by The New Indian Express.
He also cited food inflation at 5.52 per cent and wholesale inflation at 9.78 per cent while questioning the government over the burden being placed on ordinary families. The Congress leader said the impact was especially severe for households facing higher expenses during the festive season.
“It’s been 12 years of BJP government, and the reality of ‘achche din’ is that sometimes lentils, sometimes vegetables, sometimes oil, sometimes sugar keep wrecking the common person’s budget,” he said.
The Congress had made a similar charges on Monday, accusing the Centre of allowing inflation to reach “skyrocketing” levels. The party had asked how poor and middle-class households could continue to meet their daily needs despite the government’s repeated assertion that it had brought “achche din”.
The opposition has frequently alleged that the Modi government has failed to check the rising prices of essential commodities. It has also cautioned that the financial strain caused by inflation would remain a key issue for voters during elections.