Delhi Election: Kejriwal unveils AAP’s 7-Point manifesto for the middle class

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) unveiled its manifesto on Wednesday, prioritizing middle-class welfare ahead of the Delhi assembly elections. AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal presented a seven-point charter of demands aimed at influencing the upcoming Union Budget. Kejriwal emphasized the need to focus on the middle class through reforms in education, health, taxation, and senior citizen welfare.

Kejriwal called for a significant increase in education spending, proposing that 10% of the Budget be allocated to education, up from the current 2%. He also recommended imposing caps on private school fees. To improve higher education accessibility, Kejriwal urged subsidies and scholarships for students.

The manifesto also pushed for an increase in health funding, advocating for 10% of the Budget to be allocated to healthcare. In addition, Kejriwal demanded the removal of taxes on health insurance to ease the financial burden on citizens.

In tax reforms, AAP proposed raising the income tax exemption limit from ₹7 lakh to ₹10 lakh, allowing middle-class individuals to save more. The party also called for the removal of GST on essential goods, aiming to make everyday commodities more affordable.

For senior citizens, AAP proposed enhanced retirement plans, pension schemes, and free medical services at hospitals. The manifesto also suggested providing a 50% rail travel concession for senior citizens.

“These demands aim to relieve the financial strain on the middle class and address critical issues in education, health, and senior citizen welfare,” Kejriwal said. He emphasized the importance of policies that prioritize the well-being of ordinary citizens.

Kejriwal highlighted AAP’s efforts to reduce power tariffs, lower water bills, and improve government hospital infrastructure. He further stated, “We use tax money for education, protecting the middle class from inflation.”

The manifesto launch coincided with an AAP press conference where Delhi CM Atishi and Kejriwal accused BJP leader Ramesh Bidhuri and his associates of “hooliganism” against AAP workers in the Kalkaji assembly constituency. Atishi claimed that BJP workers and individuals claiming to be Bidhuri’s nephews were threatening AAP supporters, destroying campaign materials, and creating a climate of fear in the region.

Kejriwal joined the allegations, asserting that such violence was not confined to one constituency and that BJP’s actions were a sign of their looming defeat in Delhi. “BJP resorts to violence when they know they cannot win peacefully. They are heading towards a historic defeat,” Kejriwal said.

As the election nears, the rivalry between AAP and BJP grows fiercer. The election is set for February 5, with vote counting on February 8. The contest is expected to be a three-way race between AAP, BJP, and Congress. AAP dominated the 2020 assembly election, winning 62 out of 70 seats, while the BJP secured only eight.