Congress Targets PM Modi Over Rising Food Prices, Asks: ‘Kya Hua Tera Vada?’

NEW DELHI, Sept 21: The Congress on Monday stepped up its criticism of the Modi government over what it described as a sharp rise in the prices of essential food items, using the popular 1977 Bollywood song “Kya Hua Tera Vada” to question the government’s response to inflation.

Congress general secretary in-charge of communications Jairam Ramesh shared a media report on social media highlighting increases in the prices of several household essentials, including pulses, cooking oils and spices.

Ramesh alleged that rising food costs were placing a growing burden on middle-class and economically weaker households. He said prices of everyday commodities had increased significantly, making it more difficult for families to manage their monthly expenses.

Citing figures in his post, the Congress leader said prices of several spices had climbed by between 10% and 25% over the past month. He pointed to green cardamom rising from Rs 4,000 to Rs 4,400 per kg, while black cardamom increased from Rs 2,400 to Rs 2,800 per kg.

According to Ramesh, cumin prices moved up from Rs 360 to Rs 400 per kg, while mace rose from Rs 2,500 to Rs 3,000 per kg.

He also highlighted increases in the prices of pulses. Arhar dal, he said, had risen from Rs 100 to Rs 130 per kg, while chana dal increased from Rs 70 to Rs 100. Urad prices went up from Rs 120 to Rs 140 per kg, according to the figures cited by him.

Edible oil prices also featured in the Congress leader’s criticism. He said mustard oil had increased from Rs 190 to Rs 210 per litre, while Safola oil rose from Rs 240 to Rs 280 per litre.

Ramesh further cited an increase in the average retail price of onions across India. According to the figures he shared, the all-India average retail price increased from Rs 29.50 per kg in June to Rs 53.78 per kg in September, representing an 82.3% rise over the period.

The Congress leader argued that increases in the prices of essential food products were putting additional pressure on household budgets, particularly for lower-income families. He questioned the Prime Minister’s response to the issue and asked why the government had not addressed what the opposition described as persistent inflationary pressure.

Using a line associated with the song “Kya Hua Tera Vada” from the 1977 film Hum Kisise Kum Nahin, Ramesh asked, “Kya hua tera vada?” as he sought to draw attention to the gap between political promises and the experience of consumers facing higher prices.

The Congress has repeatedly raised the issue of inflation and accused the government of adopting policies that it says have placed an unfair burden on ordinary citizens. The opposition party has also demanded measures to contain the prices of essential commodities and provide relief to households.

The latest criticism comes as food prices remain a politically sensitive issue because changes in the cost of staples such as pulses, vegetables, edible oils and spices can directly affect household spending.

The government, however, has rejected the opposition’s criticism of its economic record. It has pointed to India’s GDP performance while defending its broader economic policies.

The exchange between the government and the opposition reflects the continuing political debate over inflation, household expenses and the wider state of the economy. While the Congress has focused on retail prices faced by consumers, the government has highlighted broader economic indicators in response to criticism.

Ramesh called for immediate steps to address the increase in essential commodity prices and provide relief to consumers. The Congress is expected to continue highlighting inflation and the cost of living as part of its criticism of the government.