New Delhi:
As the Delhi Assembly elections approach, scheduled for February 5, 2025, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal has intensified his appeal to the central government to prioritize the welfare of the middle class. Kejriwal’s critique of the Centre’s tax policies has been sharp, labeling them as “tax terrorism” that disproportionately affects the middle class.
In a recent address, Kejriwal emphasized that successive governments have consistently targeted the middle class through stringent tax measures, reducing them to mere ATMs for the government. He argued that the middle class, despite paying over 50% of their income in taxes, receives minimal benefits in return. This financial burden has become so severe that family planning for young middle-class couples has turned into a financial decision, with many questioning whether they can afford to raise a child.
Kejriwal also highlighted the exodus of Indians due to high taxes and other financial pressures, citing that around 85,000 people left India in 2020 alone. He stressed that the government’s neglect of the middle class’s needs has led to this dire situation.
Key Demands for the Upcoming Budget
To address these grievances, Kejriwal outlined seven critical demands for the upcoming national budget:
• Education Budget Increase: Kejriwal called for a significant hike in the education budget from the current 2% to 10% of GDP and advocated for a countrywide cap on private school fees to make quality education more accessible.
• Higher Education Subsidies: He demanded subsidies and scholarships for higher education to support students from middle-class families.
• Health Budget Increase: Kejriwal proposed an increase in the health budget to 10% of GDP and the removal of taxes on health insurance premiums to make healthcare more affordable.
• Income Tax Relief: He suggested increasing the income tax exemption limit from Rs 7 lakhs to Rs 10 lakhs to alleviate the financial strain on middle-class households.
• GST Removal on Essentials: Kejriwal demanded the removal of GST on essential commodities to reduce the cost of living for the middle class.
• Robust Retirement Plans: He advocated for strong retirement plans and pension schemes for senior citizens, along with free medical services in all government and private hospitals.
• Rail Travel Concessions: Kejriwal also proposed a 50% concession on train travel for senior citizens.
BJP’s Response
Responding to Kejriwal’s demands, BJP spokesperson RP Singh questioned the AAP’s track record on promises such as free WiFi and clean water. Singh criticized the AAP for allegedly forcing students to drop out of school to improve board results, suggesting that Kejriwal’s promises are mere rhetoric aimed at fooling the public.
Despite the BJP’s skepticism, Kejriwal’s appeals resonate with the middle class, who are seeking tangible relief from the financial pressures imposed by the current tax regime. As the elections draw near, the AAP’s focus on middle-class welfare is likely to remain a central theme in the political discourse.
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