The Congress attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 28 for not addressing rising inflation in the 138th episode of his Mann Ki Baat radio address, aired the previous day. Congress communications chief Jairam Ramesh wrote on X that the PM remains "blissfully unconcerned, beating his drum away."

Ramesh asked when the PM would address the country's "most pressing concern — inflation." He cited vegetables getting costlier by the day, with onion inflation at 48.27% in August, and warned that air conditioners, TVs and refrigerators are set to get costlier while savings fall and debt mounts.

MoSPI data shows retail inflation (CPI, 2024=100 base) at 4.82% in August, up from 4.45% in July; food inflation rose to 5.95% from 5.52%. The August figures are provisional. Onion inflation surged from 22.54% in July to 48.27% in August, while ginger hit 73.82% and garlic 43.60%. Tomatoes fell 31.09% and potatoes declined 13.14%.

Ramesh also flagged a media report that electronics firms plan 5-10% price hikes from October 1 ahead of the festive season, driven by copper and aluminium costs. The CPI data came from 1,407 urban markets and 1,465 villages with a 100% response rate.

The next CPI release for September is due October 12, giving both sides fresh ammunition.