What Are The 7 Key Demands From AAP's Middle Class Manifesto For Budget 2025?

In a bold move to empower India's middle class, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) have released a comprehensive middle-class manifesto, demanding urgent reforms ahead of the upcoming Union Budget. Kejriwal declared that AAP will be the voice of the middle class, stressing the need for the central government to recognize their vital role as the true 'superpower' of India, as reported by Aajtak.

Speaking at a press conference, Kejriwal said, "I declare today that I and AAP will raise the issues of the middle class. The upcoming Union Budget must prioritize their concerns. We want the next budget to be for the middle class."

7 Key Demands From Kejriwal For Budget 2025

The manifesto outlines seven key demands that Kejriwal believes will uplift the middle class and drive India's economic growth:

Increase Education Budget: The education budget should be increased from 2% to 10%, ensuring better resources, infrastructure, and quality for students.

Regulate Private Schools & Scholarships: Private schools should face stricter regulation. Additionally, subsidies and scholarships should be introduced for higher education, making it more accessible for all.

Increase Health Budget: The health budget should also see a boost, rising to 10% to ensure improved healthcare facilities across the country.

Remove Tax on Health Insurance: Health insurance premiums should be tax-free, reducing the financial burden on middle-class families who invest in their health.

Raise Income Tax Exemption Limit: The income tax exemption limit should be increased from ₹7 lakhs to ₹10 lakhs, offering much-needed relief to salaried individuals.

Abolish GST on Essentials: GST on essential commodities, including food and daily necessities, should be abolished to make them more affordable for the middle class.

Retirement Security & Senior Citizens' Welfare: Robust retirement plans must be created for senior citizens, and they should receive free healthcare across the nation. The government should also reinstate railway discounts for senior citizens.

AAP Delhi Election's Master Stroke?

Kejriwal's manifesto aims to bring a significant shift in government priorities, arguing that the middle class, which contributes immensely to the nation's economy, deserves better support from the government, as per media report. With the budget just weeks away, AAP is determined to make these demands a central part of the national conversation.

"This is the voice of the middle class, and we will ensure it is heard," Kejriwal emphasized, promising to continue fighting for the welfare of this vital demographic.