Karnataka government has been able to keep retail price inflation well below the national average, at least in recent months. This gives relief to consumers. But, both the ruling party — the Congress — and the main opposition — the BJP — in the state assembly have promised a farm debt waiver. This is so because farmers are in distress. The plight of farmers can be gauged from the Wholesale Price Index-based inflation in major commodities grown and produced in Karnataka. These commodities are facing deflation or price fall or are showing almost flat prices in recent months. The wholesale inflation numbers are available only till November.

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