Delhi Assembly Election 2025: Arvind Kejriwal Says Employment Generation Will Be His Next Target

Arvind Kejriwal, the AAP National Convenor and former Delhi Chief Minister, recently addressed a press conference. He stated that eliminating unemployment in Delhi would be the AAP government's top priority over the next five years. "My team is preparing a plan on how to generate employment opportunities in the national capital," he said.

Kejriwal also unveiled a seven-point manifesto targeting the middle class, whom he claims have been neglected by successive governments. In a video message, he described the middle class as the "real superpower" of India's economy but said they have been exploited for tax collection purposes.

Focus on Education and Healthcare

The manifesto includes demands such as increasing the education budget from 2% to 10% and capping private school fees. Kejriwal also proposed subsidies and scholarships to make higher education more accessible. He emphasised raising healthcare spending to 10% of GDP and removing taxes on health insurance premiums.

Kejriwal called for an increase in the income tax exemption limit from Rs 7 lakh to Rs 10 lakh, citing financial burdens on the middle class. He also demanded the removal of GST on essential goods, arguing it disproportionately affects middle-class households.

Retirement Plans and Senior Citizen Benefits

He advocated for robust retirement plans, including free healthcare for senior citizens in both private and government hospitals. Additionally, Kejriwal urged the central government to reinstate a 50% concession on train fares for senior citizens, which was discontinued recently.

The BJP criticised Kejriwal's approach, accusing him of misleading the middle class with populist demands instead of offering a clear vision. Despite this criticism, Kejriwal pledged that AAP MPs would raise middle-class issues in upcoming parliamentary sessions.

Political Context and Upcoming Elections

Kejriwal's announcement comes just weeks before Delhi Assembly elections scheduled for February 5, with results expected on February 8. The Aam Aadmi Party seeks a third consecutive term after winning 62 out of 70 assembly seats in 2020.

He accused political parties of reducing the middle class to what he termed a "slave mindset" since independence. Kejriwal vowed to make their concerns central to political discourse through AAP's efforts in parliament.