{
  "id": 6145712,
  "title": "Inflation puts festive cheer under strain, says Congress",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/07/inflation-puts-festive-cheer-under-strain-says-congress",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-09-07T15:42:33.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Hindu",
    "slug": "the-hindu",
    "url": "https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/inflation-puts-festive-cheer-under-strain-says-congress/article71439308.ece"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "On Monday, September 7, 2026, Congress accused the Union government of resorting to \"statistical jugglery\" as rising prices of essential commodities put a strain on household budgets ahead of the festive season. General Secretary of Congress Communications, Jairam Ramesh, stated that inflation's \"high-voltage shock\" was weighing on the joys of festivals, with prices of several food items surging. He cited the doubling of onion prices in just three weeks and a 25% increase in sugar prices. Additionally, arhar, urad, mustard, and refined oil prices had risen, alongside the cost of almonds, cashews, pistachios, raisins, and walnuts. Ramesh emphasized that the kitchen was becoming expensive, festivals were becoming costly, and household budgets were facing distress. He criticized the government for attempting to conceal the impact of inflation through \"statistical jugglery\" rather than addressing the price rise.",
  "summary": "Congress accuses Union government of resorting to 'statistical jugglery' instead of containing inflation",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}