Mallikarjun Kharge, the president of the Indian National Congress, has sharply criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the rising prices of essential commodities, including fuel and fertilizers, which he termed a 'clear economic failure' of the Central government. Speaking in Bengaluru, Kharge expressed concern over the depreciating Indian rupee against the US dollar, warning it might soon reach 100 rupees per dollar. He questioned Modi's foresight in managing the economy, particularly during escalating national and international challenges, and demanded accountability regarding the outcomes of Modi's numerous foreign trips. Kharge urged the Prime Minister to acknowledge governance gaps and collaborate with various stakeholders to address these pressing issues. Concurrently, Rashtriya Janata Dal MP Manoj Kumar Jha criticized the government for the relentless inflation affecting everyday commodities, highlighting that many essential items have become unaffordable for the average citizen. Fuel prices have recently surged, with petrol in Delhi increasing by 87 paise to ₹98.64 per litre, marking the second hike in less than a week amid a global energy crisis.