New Delhi: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal released the party’s manifesto on Wednesday, emphasizing middle-class welfare as the central theme ahead of the Delhi assembly election. Kejriwal unveiled a seven-point charter of demands, urging the central government to incorporate these priorities into the upcoming Union Budget.
Kejriwal’s manifesto outlines ambitious reforms across critical sectors such as education, healthcare, taxation, and senior citizen welfare. The highlights include:
Education Reforms:
•Increase education spending to 10% of the Budget, up from the current 2%.
•Cap private school fees.
•Provide subsidies and scholarships for higher education.
Healthcare Improvements:
•Allocate 10% of the Budget to health services.
•Eliminate taxes on health insurance.
Tax Relief:
•Raise the income tax exemption limit from ₹7 lakh to ₹10 lakh.
Senior Citizen Benefits:
•Introduce robust retirement and pension schemes.
•Offer free medical services at all hospitals.
•Provide a 50% concession on rail travel for senior citizens.
“These measures are designed to reduce the financial burden on the middle class while addressing persistent issues in education, healthcare, and senior citizen welfare,” Kejriwal said. He emphasized that AAP’s governance model prioritizes using taxpayer money effectively, citing reduced power tariffs, water bills, and improved hospital infrastructure.
At a news conference, AAP leaders accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of resorting to “hooliganism” against its workers. Delhi Chief Minister Atishi alleged that BJP workers and associates of BJP leader Ramesh Bidhuri were threatening AAP workers in the Kalkaji constituency, snatching campaign materials, and creating an atmosphere of fear.
Kejriwal echoed Atishi’s concerns, claiming such actions signify BJP’s impending defeat. “Violence and intimidation occur only when a party feels it cannot win peacefully. BJP is heading for a historic defeat in Delhi,” he said.
As Delhi gears up for polls on February 5, with results to be declared on February 8, the political rivalry intensifies. A three-way contest is anticipated between AAP, BJP, and Congress.
AAP, which won 62 out of 70 seats in the 2020 assembly election, remains confident of retaining its stronghold. Meanwhile, the BJP aims to improve upon its eight-seat tally, and Congress is vying to regain relevance after consecutive electoral setbacks.
With its middle-class-centric manifesto and governance record, AAP seeks to solidify its position amidst an increasingly heated political landscape.
