Something to cry about

摘要

Ruling politicians in India have a wise regard for the onion, which on occasion has proved as potent at removing governments as at flavouring the nation's curries. In 1998 a coalition led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was defeated in a Delhi state election after a six-fold rise in onion prices. On February 13th the current ruling coalition, led by the Congress party, fought an election in the neighbouring state of Punjab, amid griping over the price of food, including onions. After rising by 50% in the past six weeks, the wholesale price of onions is between seven and 15 rupees (15-32 cents) a kilo-more than twice the price a year ago. Now it is the bjp's turn. It has launched weeklong protests against rising food prices.