India, April 12 -- A tight rein kept on onions, wheat, rice, sugar and pulses

As India approaches the first phase of the upcoming general elections, the prices of essential food items are at the centre stage. In anticipation of the polls, the Indian government has taken measures to keep food prices low for consumers across the nation. At least five essential commodities are subject to various prohibitions, restrictions, mandatory disclosure provisions, or other measures ahead of the election season.

The first phase of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections is scheduled to begin on April 19, 2024.

Food inflation increased to 8.66 per cent in February from the previous month's 8.3 per cent, whereas India's retail inflation eased marginally to 5.09...