Inflation puts festive cheer under strain, says Congress

Congress MP and general secretary in-charge communications, Jairam Ramesh. File | Photo Credit: Shiv Kumar Pushpakar The Congress on Monday (September 7, 2026) said rising prices of essential commodities were putting a strain on household budgets ahead of the festive season and accused the Union government of resorting to “statistical jugglery” instead of containing inflation.Also read | ​A predictable rise: On inflationCongress general secretary (communications) Jairam Ramesh said inflation’s “high-voltage shock” was weighing on the joys of festivals, with prices of several food items rising sharply.“Wholesale prices of onions have doubled in just three weeks. Sugar has risen by 25%,” Mr. Ramesh said in a post on X. Prices of arhar, urad, mustard and refined oil had also increased, while almonds, cashews, pistachios, raisins and walnuts had become costlier ahead of Deepavali, he said.With milk and sugar getting dearer, the cost of sweets was also rising, Mr. Ramesh said. “The kitchen is expensive, festivals are costly, and the household budget is in distress,” he said.He accused the government of hiding the impact of inflation through “statistical jugglery” rather than addressing the price rise.“Statistical jugglery cannot hide the impact of inflation. The public is watching everything,” he said. Published - September 07, 2026 09:12 pm IST