Synopsis
On January 22, Arvind Kejriwal released AAP's manifesto aimed at supporting the middle class, criticizing the government's neglect of this key demographic while detailing seven specific demands for reform.Key Takeaways
- AAP emphasizes support for the middle class.
- Seven key demands presented to the Centre.
- Focus on education and health reforms.
- Addressing tax burdens on the middle class.
- Restoration of railway discounts for seniors.
New Delhi, Jan 22 (NationPress) Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal unveiled his party’s manifesto focused on the middle class and criticized the Centre’s treatment of this 'most victimized' segment of society.
Kejriwal, speaking in a video message, emphasized that AAP MPs will bring the middle class issue to Parliament and outlined seven key demands from the Centre.
These demands include an increase in the education budget, a nationwide limit on private school fees, provision of scholarships and subsidies for higher education, an increase in the health budget, removal of taxes on health insurance premiums, and raising the income tax threshold from Rs 7 lakh to Rs 10 lakh.
Moreover, he suggested that the 50% discount previously available to senior citizens for railway travel should be restored.
"This is our manifesto for the middle class," stated Kejriwal.
“The middle class suffers from tax terrorism and has become the government's ATM. They are the nation's backbone, significantly contributing to its functioning, yet their aspirations are simple: a home, quality education for their children, and a respectable life. To reach these aspirations, they work tirelessly throughout their lives, hoping for some respite from the government, but instead, they face relentless taxation,” Kejriwal shared in a video post on X.
Kejriwal asserted that successive governments post-Independence have oppressed the middle class. "The connection between the government and the middle class is peculiar. They do nothing for this group but target them whenever the government has a need, especially through taxes.
He underscored the burdens faced by taxpayers, stating, “If someone earns Rs 10-12 lakh annually, nearly 50% of their income is consumed by various taxes. Today, even basic necessities like milk, curd, and popcorn incur taxes. Amid such tax terrorism, it becomes extremely challenging for the middle class to achieve their dreams. Young couples in the middle class are hesitant to start families, fearing they won’t manage the costs of raising children, which is driving them to emigrate.”
“In 2020, 85,000 Indians emigrated. By 2023, this figure had surged to 2,26,219. It’s disheartening that our talented youth, who could shape India’s future, are instead becoming part of other nations,” remarked Kejriwal.
Kejriwal contrasted this with his government's initiatives in Delhi, asserting, “Our priority has consistently been to reinvest the people’s funds for their benefit. Education is vital for middle class empowerment. We have transformed government schools, with over four lakh students transitioning from private to public institutions due to better facilities. We have curtailed arbitrary fee hikes by private schools and ensured refunds for excess charges. Our focus remains on constructing schools, hospitals, and infrastructure to alleviate the middle class burden.”
