New Delhi. The Congress on Monday targeted the central government over the prices of food items and everyday essentials. Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh alleged that rising prices had increased pressure on the household budgets of middle-class and poorer families. In a social media post, he used a line from the popular song from the 1977 film "Hum Kisise Kum Nahin" and asked, "What happened to your promise, that pledge and that resolve?"

Ramesh cited increases in the prices of food items, pulses, spices and edible oils and said that higher prices of essential commodities were making it difficult for ordinary families to manage daily expenses. He also accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of remaining silent on the issue of inflation. These were political allegations made by the Congress.

According to official government data, India's retail inflation rate stood at 4.82% in August 2026, compared with 4.45% in July. Food inflation during the same period was recorded at 5.95%, compared with 5.52% in July. Food inflation was 6.13% in rural areas and 5.64% in urban areas.

Government data also recorded notable year-on-year increases in the prices of some food items. In August, onion inflation stood at 48.27% and garlic inflation at 43.60%. On the other hand, some items, including tomatoes and potatoes, recorded year-on-year price declines.

The Congress has sought government accountability over these figures and market prices. At the same time, inflation can vary depending on individual commodities and consumer groups. Therefore, differences can exist between official retail inflation figures and individual household spending experiences.

Inflation is expected to remain an important subject of political debate, particularly as fluctuations in food prices directly affect household budgets.