NEW DELHI: Arvind Kejriwal, the chief of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), has released the party’s manifesto with a strong focus on addressing the needs of the middle class ahead of the Delhi assembly elections.

On Wednesday, (January 22) Kejriwal presented the manifesto, which also included seven major demands directed at the Central Government ahead of the upcoming Union Budget.
Speaking about these demands, he stated, “We urge the central government to dedicate the next Union Budget to the middle class.

Here are our seven key demands:

1. Increase the education budget from 2% to 10% and regulate private school fees.
2. Provide subsidies and scholarships for higher education.
3. Raise the health budget to 10% and remove taxes on health insurance.
4. Increase the income tax exemption limit from Rs.7 lakh to Rs.10 lakh.
5. Eliminate GST on essential items.
6. Introduce a robust retirement and pension plan for senior citizens, along with free medical care in both government and private hospitals.
7. Offer a 50% concession in train fares for senior citizens.

Highlighting AAP’s achievements, Kejriwal said, “We have utilized tax revenues effectively for improving education, protecting the middle class from inflation, lowering power tariffs, and providing affordable water. We’ve also significantly upgraded the infrastructure in government hospitals.”

AAP Accuses BJP of Intimidation Tactics

During the manifesto release, Kejriwal and Delhi Chief Minister Atishi held a press conference, where they accused BJP leader Ramesh Bidhuri and his allies of intimidating AAP workers.
Atishi alleged that BJP supporters had created a climate of fear in the Kalkaji assembly constituency. She claimed that individuals claiming to be relatives of Bidhuri had been threatening AAP workers, grabbing them by their collars, and even burning campaign materials such as pamphlets.

“Since Ramesh Bidhuri started contesting elections in Kalkaji, BJP workers have created an atmosphere of fear. They are threatening our workers, destroying campaign materials, and openly resorting to intimidation,” Atishi said.

Kejriwal also addressed the issue, stating that these actions were not limited to Kalkaji alone. “Such hooliganism by BJP is widespread. A party or candidate resorts to violence only when they realize that victory through fair means is impossible. BJP is staring at a historic defeat in Delhi,” he remarked.

Delhi Set for Fierce Electoral Battle

With the Delhi assembly election scheduled for February 5 and the results to be declared on February 8, the political rivalry between AAP and BJP has intensified. The Congress, once a dominant force in Delhi with 15 years of consecutive rule, has seen its influence wane after losing all seats in the last two assembly elections.

In the 2020 election, AAP secured a landslide victory, winning 62 out of 70 seats, while the BJP managed to win just eight. The upcoming election promises a three-way contest between AAP, BJP, and Congress, with AAP aiming to maintain its stronghold in the capital.