Delhi Polls: AAP Releases Manifesto With Middle-Class Families At The Forefront

With only a few days remaining until the Delhi Assembly elections, AAP Chief Arvind Kejriwal introduced the party's election manifesto at a press conference held at noon on Wednesday. The manifesto emphasizes the priorities of middle-class families.

Addressing the press conference, Kejriwal said,''Some people are their vote bank. There is a class among them that has been crushed. In 75 years, one party after another came to power. Every government has suppressed the middle class. It doesn't do anything for the middle class but it drives the tax weapon. The middle class has become the ATM of the government.''

"...We demand that the upcoming Union Budget prioritize the middle class. Today, I am presenting seven key demands to the central government," declared the AAP national convenor.

"First, the education budget must be increased from 2% to 10%, and private school fees should be regulated. Second, subsidies and scholarships should be provided for higher education. Third, the health budget should also rise to 10%, and taxes on health insurance must be removed. Fourth, the income tax exemption limit should be raised from ₹7 lakh to ₹10 lakh. Fifth, GST on essential commodities should be abolished. Sixth, a robust retirement and pension scheme for senior citizens should be introduced, along with free medical services for them in all government and private hospitals nationwide. Seventh, senior citizens must receive a 50% concession on rail travel."

Highlighting his party's achievements, Arvind Kejriwal added, "We have effectively utilized tax money for education, shielded the middle class from inflation, reduced electricity and water bills, and upgraded infrastructure in government hospitals."

The AAP manifesto release was accompanied by a press conference held by Delhi Chief Minister Atishi and Kejriwal on Wednesday morning. During the event, they accused BJP leader Ramesh Bidhuri and his associates of engaging in "hooliganism" against AAP workers.

In related news, on Tuesday, the BJP launched the second part of its election manifesto, titled 'Sankalp Patra Part 2,' for the upcoming February 5 Delhi elections. BJP MP Anurag Thakur presented the document alongside senior party leaders from Delhi.

The BJP's second manifesto highlights a range of welfare measures, including free education for students in government schools, the establishment of a welfare board for auto-rickshaw drivers and domestic workers, and provision of life insurance coverage for these groups. Additionally, it promises to form a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate alleged corruption during AAP's administration.

In outlining the party's educational initiatives, Anurag Thakur declared, "We will provide free education from kindergarten to postgraduate level for deserving students in government institutions." He also committed to offering one-time financial support of ₹15,000 for competitive exam preparation and reimbursement of travel and application fees on two occasions, referring to it as "Modi ki guarantee."

To assist marginalized students, the BJP announced a monthly stipend of ₹1,000 for Scheduled Caste students enrolled in technical and professional courses under the 'Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Stipend Scheme.'

The BJP further pledged a strict anti-corruption stance, vowing to collaborate with the MCD and NDMC to tackle civic issues in Delhi. Other commitments in the Sankalp Patra include doubling the beneficiaries of the PM Street Vendor's Atma Nirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) scheme, which provides collateral-free loans to street vendors.

Thakur stressed the BJP government's achievements in eliminating intermediaries through Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT), asserting, "The Modi government's stance on corruption is one of zero tolerance." He also accused AAP of accommodating illegal immigrants, claiming, "On Arvind Kejriwal's instructions, AAP leaders are sheltering Rohingya Muslims and illegal Bangladeshi immigrants in Delhi."

Earlier this month, the BJP unveiled its first manifesto, which centered on healthcare, women's empowerment, senior citizen welfare, and access to essential services. Key promises included providing six nutritional kits and ₹21,000 assistance for pregnant women under the Matritva Suraksha Yojana, as well as ₹2,500 for women under the Mahila Samriddhi Yojana.

Delhi voters are set to choose representatives for 70 assembly seats on February 5, with vote counting scheduled for February 8.