Nirmala Sitharaman Responds to Netizen’s Request for Middle-Class Relief Amid Inflation

Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman addressed a heartfelt plea from a social media user for middle-class relief amidst rising inflation. The interaction occurred on November 17, when Tushar Sharma, a social media user, responded to one of her posts on X (formerly Twitter), highlighting the struggles faced by the middle class.

Sharma expressed gratitude for the government's efforts and humbly requested measures to ease the burden of inflation. “We deeply appreciate your efforts and contributions to the country, and you have our utmost admiration. I humbly request you to consider providing some relief for the middle class. I understand the immense challenges involved, but it’s just a heartfelt request,” he wrote.

Sitharaman responded positively, thanking Sharma for his understanding and emphasizing that the government remains attentive to public concerns. She stated, “Thank you for your kind words and your understanding. I recognize and appreciate your concern. PM Narendra Modi’s government is a responsive government. Listens and attends to people’s voices. Thanks once again for your understanding. Your input is valuable.”

This interaction comes at a time when inflationary pressures have significantly impacted the economy. Recent data from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry revealed that India’s wholesale price index (WPI)-based inflation rose to a four-month high of 2.36% in October. The rise is largely attributed to soaring food prices, which surged 11.59% year-on-year in October compared to 9.47% in September. Retail inflation, based on the consumer price index (CPI), also climbed to a 14-month high of 6.21% for the month.

Vegetables and fruits were major contributors to the inflation spike, with their prices increasing by 63.04% and 13.55% annually, respectively. On the other hand, fuel and power prices witnessed a decline of 5.79% in October compared to the previous year, while non-food articles saw a slight annual reduction of 1.71%.

The government’s acknowledgment of public concerns highlights its commitment to addressing economic challenges. Sitharaman’s response serves as reassurance that the administration is aware of the struggles faced by the middle class and values citizen input in policymaking.