In a nation where onions are more than just a kitchen staple but rather a symbol of household budgets and political discourse, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has launched a scathing critique against the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The crux of the issue – the relentless surge in onion prices – has resonated profoundly with the Indian populace and is set to be a significant factor as state elections loom large on the horizon.

Onion-Inflicted Turmoil

Once again, the unassuming onion has emerged as a focal point of political turmoil in India. Onion prices have skyrocketed, reaching an alarming ₹65-80 per kilogram in New Delhi’s retail markets, primarily due to a diminished supply. In response to this economic plight faced by citizens, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has seized the moment to lambast the Modi government.

The Battle Against Inflation

In a hard-hitting statement, Kharge underscored the relentless suffering of the Indian public during the nine-and-a-half years of BJP rule, marked by unyielding inflation. He pointedly highlighted how, each time the issue of inflation surfaced, the Modi government either downplayed it or employed rhetoric that belittled the public’s concerns. Their dismissive responses, including phrases like “Inflation is not visible,” “I don’t eat onions,” or “It is better than other countries,” have failed to resonate with the suffering populace. Kharge boldly declared, “Why are onions expensive again? Now, the people of five states will unveil the secret by defeating the BJP!”

Political Implications

The Congress has laid the blame for the rising prices squarely at the feet of the Modi government, asserting that it has inadequately addressed the mounting issue. The consequences of this inflationary spiral are expected to manifest themselves profoundly in the results of the forthcoming state elections. The electoral battleground spans five significant states – Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, and Mizoram – with the election outcomes set to be disclosed on December 3.

The Congress has consistently voiced its criticism of the government’s economic management, with a particular focus on the escalating unemployment rates and the steady rise in prices. To combat the onion price surge, the central government has implemented a minimum export price (MEP) of $800 per ton (equivalent to ₹67 per kilogram) on onion exports, effective from October 29 to December 31.

Onion Woes: Roots and Repercussions

The surge in onion prices can be attributed to various factors. Delayed arrivals of kharif onions, anticipated to reach the markets in December from Maharashtra, India’s leading onion-producing state, have triggered a sudden price spike. Benchmark prices in key onion-growing regions have surged by an astounding 50% in just a fortnight.

The reduced influx of stored onions, which has diminished by roughly 40% in the past two weeks, has compounded the issue. Another significant contributing factor is the constrained production resulting from below-average rainfall in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, coupled with farmers’ losses over the past few years. This has severely impacted onion production. As a result, traders anticipate that onion prices will continue to surge until the new kharif crop arrives in the markets, albeit approximately two months behind schedule.

Government Response

To ensure a stable and affordable supply of onions for domestic consumption, the government has taken decisive actions to curb onion exports and bolster the buffer stock. Notably, onions have been distributed to consumers at concessional rates, and a 40% duty on onion exports has been imposed.

In response to rising demand and delayed production, the government is contemplating the implementation of a floor price for onions. Thus far, the central government has released a substantial volume of onions to consumers at ₹25 per kilogram, facilitated through mobile vans operated by the National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation (NCCF) and the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd (NAFED) from a buffer stock totaling 500,000 tonnes.

Additionally, the government is actively procuring an extra 200,000 tonnes of onions to further fortify the buffer stock, elevating the total stock to approximately 700,000 tonnes.

In Conclusion

The surge in onion prices has not only shaken kitchen budgets but also stirred a political storm. As state elections loom, the predicament of the common citizen remains at the forefront of this onion-induced political spectacle.