At 4.74% in June, rural CPI inflation outpaces urban rates (3.92%), exposing the silent crisis in villages where food prices are soaring. Ginger, tomatoes, and even gold are spiking; while essentials like potatoes and cumin creep up quietly. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh didn’t mince words: “12 years of false promises, and the people are paying the price.” The real question? Why hasn’t the PM spoken directly to the millions whose budgets are collapsing? With interest rates possibly rising next, EMIs on homes and cars could become unbearable. The numbers don’t lie; but who’s listening to the people behind them?