Congress alleges rising prices, 'statistical jugglery' as festive budgets tighten

The Congress party on Monday (September 7, 2026) said escalating prices of essential commodities were putting household budgets under strain as the country prepares for the festive season. It accused the Union government of attempting to conceal the true scale of inflation through "statistical jugglery" rather than addressing the root causes.

In a statement posted on X, Congress general secretary (communications) Jairam Ramesh highlighted a sharp rise in prices of several food items. He noted that wholesale onion prices had doubled in just three weeks, sugar had become dearer by 25 percent, and the prices of pulses such as arhar and urad, as well as mustard and refined oil, had also increased. He pointed to rising costs of dry fruits including almonds, cashews, pistachios, raisins and walnuts, which are commonly used during Deepavali celebrations.

"Inflation's high-voltage shock is weighing on the joys of festivals," Mr. Ramesh said. He added that the increase in milk and sugar prices has pushed up the cost of sweets. "The kitchen is expensive, festivals are costly, and the household budget is in distress," he said.

Mr. Ramesh accused the government of hiding inflation via manipulation of statistics. "Statistical jugglery cannot hide the impact of inflation. The public is watching everything," he said, without offering specific evidence for the charge.

Festival season in India is a period of heavy expenditure, with families buying sweets, dry fruits, and other items for rituals and gifting. Onions and pulses are staples in Indian kitchens, and any surge in their prices affects everyday cooking as well as celebratory meals. The Congress's remarks come as the opposition party seeks to highlight the economic challenges faced by common citizens, particularly in the run-up to major festivals like Deepavali.

Food inflation has historically been a politically sensitive issue in India, as a large portion of household income is spent on groceries. Sudden spikes in prices of essential commodities often trigger public discontent and become a rallying point for opposition parties. The specific items cited by Mr. Ramesh—onions, pulses, cooking oils, and dry fruits—are all integral to Indian households, and their price movements directly influence the monthly budgets of millions of families.

The Congress's criticism comes amid broader concerns about the cost of living. While the government has maintained that it is taking measures to stabilise prices through supply-side interventions, the opposition argues that such steps have been insufficient. The absence of an immediate government response to the specific figures cited by the Congress leaves room for further political debate as the festival season approaches.

With Deepavali expected to be celebrated in the coming weeks, the issue of rising prices is likely to remain a key talking point in the public sphere. The Congress's statement underscores the economic pressure on households and the political implications of inflation in the world's largest democracy.