Low India inflation is double-edged sword for Narendra Modi before polls

Inflation has more than halved under Modi's regime, averaging 4.8 per cent since 2014. In contrast, consumer-price growth averaged more than 10 per cent during 2009-2013

Subdued inflation in India is proving to be a dilemma for Prime Minister Narendra Modi weeks before a crucial vote.

While most politicians heading into elections would want to cheer their efforts in taming the inflation dragon -- especially in emerging economies like India, where price surges can oust governments -- Modi has been restrained about this achievement.

That’s because low inflation has been driven by falling food prices, cutting farmers’ incomes and pushing up debt levels. About 800 million of India’s 1.3 billion population depend on farming for their livelihood. “While Modi has managed to keep inflation under control,