KKN Gurugram Desk |  The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), led by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, has released its manifesto for the upcoming Delhi Assembly Election, focusing on middle-class welfare. The manifesto was unveiled on Wednesday, alongside a seven-point charter of demands directed at the central government for inclusion in the forthcoming Union Budget.

Key Highlights of AAP’s Seven-Point Charter

Addressing a public meeting in New Delhi, Arvind Kejriwal outlined significant reforms aimed at easing the financial burden on the middle class. The seven key demands included:

1. Increased Education Spending:
   • Raise education spending from 2% to 10% of the Union Budget.
   • Cap private school fees to ensure affordability.
2. Higher Education Support:
   • Introduce subsidies and scholarships to make higher education accessible to all.
3. Boost in Health Funding:
   • Increase health sector allocation to 10% of the Budget.
   • Remove taxes on health insurance to make healthcare more affordable.
4. Tax Reforms:
   • Raise the income tax exemption limit from ₹7 lakh to ₹10 lakh, offering relief to middle-income earners.
5. Relief on Essential Goods:
   • Exempt essential commodities from the Goods and Services Tax (GST) to combat inflation.
6. Senior Citizen Benefits:
   • Implement robust retirement plans and pension schemes.
   • Ensure free medical services for senior citizens across all hospitals.
7. Travel Concessions:
   • Provide a 50% concession on rail travel for senior citizens.

“These demands aim to address long-standing issues related to education, health, and senior citizen welfare while providing much-needed financial relief to the middle class,” said Kejriwal.

Arvind Kejriwal’s Vision for Middle-Class Welfare

Highlighting AAP’s track record, Kejriwal said:
“We use taxpayer money to improve education, reduce inflation, and protect the middle class. We have reduced power tariffs, water bills, and enhanced infrastructure in government hospitals.”

The manifesto reflects AAP’s commitment to prioritize policies benefiting the common man and to push for systemic reforms at both state and national levels.

Conflict With BJP Over Electoral Campaign

The release of AAP’s manifesto coincided with a news conference where Atishi, a senior AAP leader, accused BJP leader Ramesh Bidhuri and his associates of instigating violence against AAP workers in the Kalkaji assembly constituency. Atishi alleged that BJP workers had created an atmosphere of “terror,” threatening AAP campaigners, grabbing their collars, and burning campaign materials like pamphlets.

“Ever since Rakesh Bidhuri started contesting elections from Kalkaji, BJP has turned the region into a terror zone. Some people claiming to be his nephews have been threatening our workers and destroying our campaign materials,” Atishi said.

Kejriwal joined the conference, adding:
“This hooliganism is not limited to Kalkaji alone. When a party resorts to violence, it is clear they know they cannot win peacefully. BJP is headed for a historic defeat in Delhi.”

Delhi Elections: A Three-Way Contest

As Delhi gears up for assembly elections on February 5, the political rivalry between AAP, BJP, and Congress has intensified. While Congress has failed to make a significant impact in recent years, AAP remains the ruling party with a stronghold, having won 62 out of 70 seats in the 2020 elections. BJP, which secured only 8 seats in 2020, aims to regain its influence, but the growing tensions indicate a tough road ahead.

The vote counting is scheduled for February 8, and the electoral battle promises a dramatic outcome.

Why AAP’s Manifesto Stands Out

AAP’s manifesto stands apart by emphasizing middle-class welfare, a segment often overlooked in traditional electoral campaigns. Key proposals like tax relief, affordable healthcare, and improved education funding align with the needs of a growing middle-class population struggling with rising inflation and living costs.

The release of AAP’s manifesto has set the tone for the Delhi Assembly Election, with a focus on addressing middle-class concerns and improving public welfare. While BJP’s alleged disruptive tactics add to the tension, AAP’s progressive agenda and track record position it as a strong contender.