The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has unveiled a unique manifesto targeting the middle class in Delhi, a move seen as a direct appeal to the city’s core voter base. As the assembly elections approach in February, AAP seeks to address the concerns of the often-overlooked middle class, which, despite being the largest tax-paying demographic in India, has largely been neglected in mainstream political discourse.
Traditionally, political parties in India focus their election promises on the poor or emphasize caste and religious divides. However, AAP’s manifesto marks a shift in priorities, as it aims to bridge the gap and provide tangible solutions for the middle class, which includes upper, middle, and lower middle-class categories. Key areas of focus include education, transportation, water, and healthcare—sectors that are of paramount importance to this group.
AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal highlighted the challenges faced by middle-class families, calling them victims of “tax terrorism.” He emphasized that individuals in professions such as teaching, law, and salaried jobs, earning between Rs 10-12 lakh annually, are burdened with multiple taxes, including income tax, cess, and road tax.
He criticized the government for directing tax revenues toward corporate loan waivers instead of public welfare. He pointed to the Delhi government’s initiatives under AAP, such as increasing the supply of water and electricity while reducing their costs, as well as improving the quality of education and healthcare. He also noted that nearly four lakh children had shifted from private to government schools under AAP’s administration, a development he described as unprecedented.
In his appeal, Kejriwal urged the government to dedicate the 2025 Budget to addressing the middle class’s concerns, and listed seven key demands that AAP will push for:
• The education budget must be increased from 2% to 10% of GDP, with private school fees capped.
• Scholarships and subsidies for higher education should be introduced.
• The health budget must be raised to 10% of GDP, with health insurance exempt from taxes.
• The income tax exemption slab should be raised from Rs 7 lakh to Rs 10 lakh.
• Essential commodities should be exempt from GST.
• Strong pension and retirement plans should be available for senior citizens.
• Railway concessions for senior citizens must be reinstated.
He also encouraged the public to support AAP’s middle-class demands by visiting the campaign website.
