It is surprising that inflation climbed to 7.41% in the week ending March 29 despite the fact that Centre took some radical measures to arrest price rise. It is not that India lacks talent. Manmohan Singh, P Chidambaram and Montek Singh Ahluwalia are some of the best economic brains in the world. The mistake these politicians seem to have committed is that they somehow lost direct touch with the people. Had they been in touch with agriculturists on the ground, they would have foreseen the shortage of foodgrains, vegetables and other commodities months in advance. It will certainly take a few weeks and more antiinflationary measures before the government gets a firm grip on the situation. Till that time inflation is bound to rise further. People have to suitably adjust their consumption pattern to escape from the rigours of inflation. As for the CPM, it is surprising their leaders blame Centre for inflation. They demand reduction of excise duties, customs duties and other levies. Why don't they practice the same in the three states they rule? In all fairness, the CPM should support the government's antiinflationary measures, or get out of the ruling coalition. K P R Iyer, VIA EMAIL