- ‘Modi-Made Inflation Has Become a National Disaster,’ Says Congress Spokesperson Surendra Verma
- Party alleges soaring prices, widening inequality, rising debt burden and declining farm incomes have pushed ordinary citizens into hardship while benefiting a privileged few.
TFP Bureau, Raipur, June 3,2026: The Congress on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on the BJP-led Central Government over rising inflation, unemployment and economic inequality, alleging that soaring prices and worsening financial conditions have placed an unbearable burden on common citizens.
Addressing the media, State Congress Committee Senior Spokesperson Surendra Verma claimed that inflation has become a “Modi-made disaster,” accusing the government of failing to control the prices of essential commodities while avoiding accountability for the hardships faced by the public.
Verma said the cost of living has increased dramatically over the past decade. He alleged that the price of a domestic LPG cylinder, which stood at around ₹410 in 2014, has now crossed ₹984, while commercial LPG cylinder prices have risen more than threefold. He further claimed that petrol and diesel prices have witnessed steep increases, with petrol rising from around ₹70 per litre to over ₹105 per litre and diesel from ₹55 per litre to over ₹100 per litre.
The Congress leader also raised concerns over growing economic inequality in the country. Referring to an Oxfam report, Verma alleged that the wealthiest five per cent of Indians now hold more than 60 per cent of the country’s wealth, while the bottom 50 per cent possess only about three per cent. He claimed that despite their limited resources, the poorer sections contribute a significant share of GST revenues.
Citing the same report, Verma said that during the COVID-19 pandemic, India’s wealthiest individuals witnessed a substantial increase in their fortunes even as millions of people lost their livelihoods. He alleged that government policies continued to favour large corporate groups, pointing to loan write-offs and tax concessions extended to businesses.
The Congress spokesperson further claimed that the country’s total debt has risen sharply during the BJP government’s tenure. According to him, India’s debt, which stood at approximately ₹55 lakh crore until May 2014, has increased to around ₹255 lakh crore over the past 12 years.
Verma also referred to the Global Hunger Index, alleging that India’s ranking has declined in comparison to several neighbouring countries. He said the report reflects growing concerns over hunger and nutritional challenges facing the nation.
On the issue of agriculture, Verma cited data from the National Statistical Office (NSO), claiming that farmers’ incomes remain under severe pressure despite promises to double their earnings. He alleged that the average debt burden on farmers has continued to rise and criticised the government for not providing adequate relief to the agricultural sector.
The Congress leader further alleged that increases in diesel prices and the imposition of GST on agricultural inputs such as machinery, fertilisers and pesticides have significantly raised cultivation costs, adversely affecting farmers across the country.
The BJP has repeatedly maintained that its economic policies have strengthened India’s growth prospects, expanded welfare coverage and improved infrastructure, while the government has defended its measures as necessary for long-term economic development.
