Kejriwal Highlights Middle-Class Woes, Unveils AAP Manifesto Ahead of Delhi Elections

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), led by Arvind Kejriwal, unveiled its manifesto on Wednesday ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections, with a strong focus on addressing the challenges faced by India’s middle class. Kejriwal, during a press conference, outlined seven key demands for the Union government, urging that the upcoming Union Budget prioritize the needs of the middle class.

Kejriwal’s demands included increasing the education budget from 2% to 10%, capping private school fees, and providing subsidies and scholarships for higher education. He also emphasized raising the health budget to 10% and removing taxes on health insurance. Advocating for economic relief, Kejriwal called for the income tax exemption limit to be raised to ₹10 lakh, GST to be eliminated from essential commodities, and robust retirement and pension schemes for senior citizens, along with free medical services and a 50% concession in rail travel for the elderly.

Highlighting AAP’s track record, Kejriwal said his government had effectively used taxpayers’ money to improve education, reduce power and water tariffs, and upgrade healthcare infrastructure in Delhi.

The manifesto release coincided with allegations from AAP leaders against BJP, accusing the latter of creating an atmosphere of intimidation in the Kalkaji constituency. AAP MLA Atishi alleged that BJP workers, including individuals claiming to be relatives of BJP leader Ramesh Bidhuri, were threatening AAP volunteers, tearing campaign materials, and attempting to disrupt their election efforts. Kejriwal supported these allegations, stating that such acts of violence reflect desperation on BJP’s part, as they face imminent defeat in the Delhi elections.

In a separate video message, Kejriwal criticized what he called “tax terrorism” against the middle class, labeling them the “real superpower” of India’s economy. He highlighted their consistent exploitation as a revenue source while urging increased healthcare spending and a reduction in health insurance taxes.

Delhi is set to go to polls on February 5, with vote counting scheduled for February 8. As the election date approaches, the contest between AAP and BJP continues to escalate, with both parties trading barbs over governance and campaign strategies.